ELIZABETHTOWN — East Bladen got a late goal from Brooks McGill to snap a 2-2 tie and take a 3-2 Four County win over rival West Bladen on Wednesday.
Greyson Heustess put the Eagles on the board early in the match, booting home a goal off a corner kick by Grey Cabellero.
But midway through the first half, Junior Funez knotted the game for the Knights with a goal and the half ended at 1-1.
East Bladen took a 2-1 lead in the second half when Heustess ripped a shot into the net off a pass from McGill, but West Bladen answered moments later when Funez scored again to tie things back up.
As regulation was nearing an end, Heustess sent a quick pass to McGill, who rocketed a shot into the back of the Knights’ net with less than a minute to go for the winner.
East Bladen improves to 11-5-1 overall and 7-4 in the conference, while West Bladen falls to 7-9-1, 2-8.
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Volleyball playoffs
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The No. 10 seed Lady Knight took a long ride to Elizabeth City on Wednesday to open the Class 2-A state playoffs against No. 7 seed Northeastern, but came home after being swept 25-13, 25-14 and 25-17.
“We had a great season,” West Bladen coach Gaye Davis said. “The girls played with heart and soul (but) they faced some great blockers and hitters. My girls have nothing to be ashamed of. It is going to be extremely hard to fill the seven seniors’ shoes.”
Kathryn Schultz had six kills and a solo block for the Lady Knights, while Raegan Davis had five kills and two solo blocks. Logan Autry added four aces and two kills; Morgan Schumacher had two kills; and Jenna Dove had two aces.
West Bladen finishes the season at 10-10.