Dean scores another hat trick for Eastern Wayne

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 6, 2010 1:45 PM

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Eastern Wayne avoided the senior distractions.

The Warriors controlled the tempo from the opening kickoff, organized well and generated attacks on offense. They had the better chances, the better shots and better possessions.

Oh yeah, they had Brandi Dean, too.

The senior recorded a natural hat trick (three consecutive goals) and Eastern Wayne turned back South Johnston 5-1 in semifinal-round play of the 2010 Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference women's soccer tournament Wednesday evening.

The top-seeded Warriors (11-4-0 overall) entertain county archrival Charles B. Aycock (12-6-2) in the championship match Friday. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Little Big Horn.

"We put enough pressure on South Johnston to deserve the win," said Eastern Wayne head coach Jorg Wagner. "It's a well-taken win and I thought the score was a little high. Obviously, we were motivated on senior night and we were not too distracted. Sometimes that gets in the way a little bit."

Nothing diverted Dean.

The fleet-footed Warrior misfired on her first two scoring opportunities with each attempt just missing the goal. Her third and fifth shots, which occurred within two-plus minutes of each other, easily rolled into the net.

Junior Jenna Martin assisted on the second goal, which gave Eastern Wayne a 2-0 advantage just 22 minutes into the contest.

"Jenna, in the midfield, played very well and got to a lot of balls," said Wagner. "She was not always the luckiest (tonight), but her assist and goal was well done."

Eastern Wayne's streak of six straight shutouts and 550-plus consecutive scoreless minutes ended just before halftime. The Trojans, who played their third game in a 72-hour span, converted a goal that started off a corner kick.

Sophomore forward Mia Johnson tucked it away against Warrior keeper Danielle Daniel, who appeared screened out on the play by the defense. It was just the 13th goal allowed by Eastern Wayne this season and just the second scored by an ECC opponent.

"We had prided ourselves on not giving up too much (this season)," said Wagner. "That corner ... well-taken with a clean-up finish."

Dean polished off her sixth hat trick of the season just six minutes later with an unassisted goal. She boosted her county- and conference-leading goal total to 21.

"Brandi comes right back and we go into halftime up 3-1, which was comforting since it was a solid lead," said Wagner.

The Warriors built on their advantage in the second half. Martin scored in the 66th minute and freshman Lindsay Underwood concluded the scoring with a goal in the 77th minute.

Eastern Wayne posted its 10th consecutive win heading into its showdown with Aycock, which claimed a come-from-behind 3-1 decision over Triton.

"(It) should be an exciting game," said Wagner. "Hopefully, the third time, is not a charm for Aycock. We'll certainly try our best and I know Kevin (Adkins), Scottie (Summers) and Adam (Livengood) will have them ready to play.

"It should be an exciting final."