East Bladen Earns 2-0 Victory Over Midway in Physical Non-Conference Battle

East Bladen Soccer huddle. Photo Credit: Savanna Elkins Photography.

Elizabethtown, NC - The East Bladen girls soccer team continued their impressive season Wednesday night with a 2-0 win over Midway in non-conference play. The Eagles improved to 13-1-2 on the season and maintained their strong 10-1 record in Waccamaw Conference competition.

Both of East Bladen’s goals came off the foot of Gabriela Rebollar, who calmly converted two penalty kicks — the first following a foul on Isabella Beard in the 22nd minute, and the second after Iveonna "NeNe" Ward was brought down in the box with a hard challenge in the 34th.

Rebollar not only contributed on the scoreboard but also played a pivotal role defensively, helping anchor the back line alongside Lynn Escobar Perez, Marlee Potter, and Aubri Nixon. That group stifled Midway’s attack, allowing just five shots all night and preserving a clean sheet for the Eagles.

Marlee Potter delivered one of the most crucial defensive plays of the night, clearing a dangerous shot off the goal line, while her sister Macey Potter made her impact felt higher up the field. Moved into the midfield once again, Macey brought the spark and hustle East Bladen needed in the center of the pitch.

With Jakie Medina-Leal going down midway through the second half, Leanh McGill stepped in and delivered key minutes in her return from injury. Head Coach Jay Raynor noted how valuable Leah’s presence has been since returning to the lineup, even if it meant more minutes than originally intended.

Julia Flowers and Kenley Parks were key contributors in the midfield, showcasing strong chemistry and better cohesion than in recent outings. Their improved support of each other and control of the center of the field helped dictate the pace of the game.

East Bladen also got important contributions from Sana'a Singletary, Kaelyn Eason, Jaziyeah Daniels, and Mary Frances Sutton, each of whom played hard in a game that tested the team physically.

Michelle Quezada, Kayelynn Chambers, Abigail Miranda-Ventura, Anna Miranda, Lexi Ventura, and Annika Bass all provided solid minutes to round out the deep rotation Coach Raynor continues to rely on.

After the match, Raynor praised his team’s resilience and grit. “It was a physical and hard-fought contest,” he said. “We outshot them 15-5 and tested one of the best goalkeepers we’ve seen all year. She made some great saves, but I thought our girls rose to the challenge and earned a great result.”

East Bladen now heads into the final week of the regular season with momentum and confidence, continuing to show the depth, teamwork, and toughness that has defined their remarkable year.

Currently sitting at #6 in the 1A East RPI, the Lady Eagles are positioned well if things hold serve.

Roster: Michelle Quezada, Nevaeh Brown, Sana'a Singletary, Julia Flowers, Kayelynn Chambers, Abigail Miranda-Ventura, Jaziyeah Daniels, Mary Frances Sutton, Isabella Beard, Aubri Nixon, Lynn Escobar Perez, Kenley Parks, NeNe Ward, Jackie Medina-Leal, Leanh McGill, Gabriela Rebollar, Anna Miranda, Kaelyn Eason, Marlee Potter, Lexi Ventura, Macey Potter, Annika Bass.

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East Bladen Earns 2-0 Victory Over Midway in Physical Non-Conference Battle