ELIZABETHTOWN –The Melvin brothers scored five goals — three by Garrett and two by Pierce — to lead East Bladen past South Columbus on Wednesday in the Three County Conference soccer opener.

Garrett Melvin put the Eagles up early with a goal off a pass from Brooks McGill, then added another goal moments later off a feed from Pierce Melvin.

Pierce Melvin matched his brother with the next two goals to give East Bladen a 4-0 advantage. His goals came after passes from Gabe Barber and Jake Evans.

A penalty kick in close by Evans found the back of the net, followed by a goal from McGill — and before the half ended, Garrett Melvin got his third goal of the match off a pass from Greyson Heustess, followed by a goal by McGill off a feed from Heustess for an 8-0 halftime edge.

East Bladen ended things quickly in the second half when Barber scored off an assist from Heustess to end the match on the mercy rule.

East Bladen is now 5-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

– In Cerro Gordo on Wednesday, the Knights scored four times in the first half en route to a 5-1 win over West Columbus in their Three Rivers Conference opener.

West Bladen is now 1-3-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

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Volleyball

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— In Dublin on Wednesday, the Lady Knights’ two-match win streak came to an end after a tough conference loss to visiting South Columbus by the scores of 25-19, 25-17 and 25-12.

“Both teams – the varsity and jayvee – played extremely hard and never gave up,” said West Bladen coach Gaye Davis. “I am excited for and proud of their performance.”

Raegan Davis had three kills, two aces and a block for West Bladen; Patience Parker had five kills and a block; Elizabeth Allbright had four kills and three aces; Caroline Davis contributed 22 digs; Alise Pait had two kills and Lexie Corrothers had a kill and ace.