East Bladen Girls Soccer Rolls Past South Columbus as Raynor Earns 200th Win, Playoff Push Begins

East Bladen Soccer team photo. Photos by: Savanna Elkins Photography.

Elizabethtown, NC - In a season already filled with highlights, Wednesday night added another memorable chapter for East Bladen girls soccer. The Lady Eagles defeated South Columbus 7-1 in non-conference play, improving to 14-1-2 overall and 11-1 in the Waccamaw Conference.

But beyond the dominant win on the field, the night was marked by a major milestone for Head Coach Jay Raynor, who earned his 200th career win in NCHSAA girls soccer.

“It was a big game,” Raynor said. “Proud of the girls. Played stronger as the game went on. South is a solid team. It was a physical battle. I thought our girls handled and managed the game well.”

East Bladen wasted no time asserting control. Just three minutes in, Gabriela Rebollar launched a 34-yard free kick that curved into the net, setting the tone early. Rebollar would go on to score five goals, including another free kick from 37 yards out and three penalty kicks—each delivered with precision and poise.

“Anytime you can walk away from a game scoring five set pieces, you know it’s been a good day,” Raynor added. “Set pieces win games, and our girls did just that.”

Jackie Medina-Leal added a pair of goals herself. The first came in the 23rd minute off a slick assist from Iveonna “NeNe” Ward, and the second in the 71st minute was the result of a well-placed pass from Leah McGill.

As the offense poured it on, East Bladen’s midfield and back line made sure South Columbus had few opportunities to respond.

The Eagles outshot the Stallions 30-2, including a 15-1 edge in the first half. Defenders Marlee Potter, Aubri Nixon, Isabella Beard, and Lynn Escobar Perez anchored a back line that gave little ground. The midfield trio of Julia Flowers, Kenley Parks, and Macey Potter controlled possession and created countless chances in transition.

“From top to bottom, everyone contributed,” Raynor said. “We missed some chances, made mistakes, but the girls stayed the course and stayed positive. This is a resilient group. They’ve shown that many times through the season. The games with Lumberton, Trask, and Hoke stand out—we all had to dig deep and figure out ourselves. Had to figure out how to get a result. These girls can do anything they want when they decide that’s what they want.”

Also making an impact throughout the night were Michelle Quezada, Mary Frances Sutton, Sana’a Singletary, Abigail Miranda-Ventura, Jaziyeah Daniels, Kaelyn Eason, Lexi Ventura, Anna Miranda, and Annika Bass—a full team effort that reinforced East Bladen’s depth and chemistry.

The victory also served as a powerful reflection on the program’s growth. Earlier this season, East Bladen suffered a tough 8-0 loss to a talented opponent—only to regroup and defeat that same team 2-0 weeks later in a critical conference matchup.

“To come back from an 0-8 loss to a talented team and to fight back to beat them 2-0 … to share a part of the conference championship says a lot about our girls,” Raynor said. “Proud to get the opportunity to coach them every day.”

Now, with the regular season in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to the playoffs. East Bladen is projected as the #4 seed in the NCHSAA 2A East bracket.

Official seeding will be announced May 9, with first-round play beginning May 12. If the projection holds, East Bladen would be in position to host up to three playoff games—an advantage that could prove vital for a deep postseason run.

“Time for the third phase of our season,” Raynor said. “We’ll polish some things and hopefully continue our progression and our ascension on the season.”

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, Iveonna "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 Girls Soccer Rolls Past South Columbus as Raynor Earns 200th Win, Playoff Push Begins