CERRO GORDO – Senior Justyna Gargala fired in all 3 goals Tuesday night as East Bladen’s Lady Eagles opened their season with a 3-1 non-conference girls soccer victory over West Columbus.
All 3 of the goals came within the 18-yard box and were set up by 2 assists from sophmore Ashley Hardin and one from senior Cassie Hill. On all 3 goals Gargala beat her defender and put home the shot.
The first goal came in the first 2 minutes of the second half. The second goal came just a few minutes later, and the third goal was scored midway the half.
The Lady Viking goal came in the final 30 seconds of the game when East Bladen had made a number of substitutions that allowed West Columbus to stay on the Lady Eagle end of the field in the final minutes.
“We played well and seemed to control the game,” said Lady Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “We kept a high press that gave them trouble getting out of their own half. All in all it was good win and something to build off of.”
East Bladen outshot the Lady Vikings 28-6 in the game with 4 of the 6 West Columbus shots coming in the final 7 minutes.
“Our attack was strong because our backs and midfield dominated their areas of the field,” continued Coach Raynor. “Senior Lexi Mendell is our anchor in the midfield, and she dominated and controlled the midfield tonight. Her energy and leadership is a springboard for the other girls and it showed tonight.”
“Our attacking midfielders Hannah Devane and Ashley Hardin kept the frontline fed with balls for scoring chances,” said Raynor. “Both Hannah and Ashley had great nights as well.”
“Justyna had 3 impressive goals and looked in top form,” added Coach Raynor. “Our other forwards Maddie West and Sarah Johnson were both very aggressive. Maddie did a great job. Cassie Hill worked hard and helped control the midfield.”
“Freshmen Cybil Campbell and Gracyn Martin are key pieces that can play 10 of the 11 positions and have handled moving around the field a lot very well,” said Coach Raynor. “They bring energy and intensity. Trinity Carroll, Cassidy Davis and Anna Grace Long played smart and worked well together on the backline. Victoria Pridgen came off the bench and did a great job.”
“Ting Lin made 2 great saves tonight and did an amazing job in net for us,” said Coach Raynor. “We do need to work on chemistry and understanding of how to use space. That will come in time. We are getting the chances and looks. Just have to work on putting them away.”
The Lady Eagles will host Red Springs Friday at 5 p.m.
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