By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Wayne Co. blanks rusty Lady Rebels
03.13 wayne-echs girls 3
Effingham’s Alyx Pitts battles for possession in the Lady Rebels’ loss to Wayne County on Tuesday. - photo by Photo by Pat Donahue

Before the rain began to fall Tuesday evening, the rust was evident to Effingham County girls soccer coach Mike Baczynski.

His Lady Rebels had not played since Feb. 29, and the Wayne County Lady Yellow Jackets stung them 3-0 at Rebel Field in their first game since a 2-0 loss to Region 3-AAAA-leading Glynn Academy.

“Both teams were affected by not playing,” Baczynski said, also alluding to the Effingham boys team and its similar layoff. “We had a light schedule already last week.”

Effingham’s doubleheader with Ware County was washed out and rescheduled, with Effingham hitting the road to Waycross Thursday and Ware County making the return trip March 28.

That meant 10 full days without playing for Effingham.

“It really showed tonight,” Baczynski said. “We were not at game speed tonight. “We played really well at Glynn Academy.”

The Lady Yellow Jackets (5-1, 2-1) got off to a strong start. Less than 10 minutes in, Adriana Mendez struck the post with a shot. They finally broke through with 18:40 to go in the first half, as Shelby Edwards’ header found its way into the net.

With less than 5 minutes remaining in the half, Wayne County’s Jenna Nash broke away and scored for a 2-0 lead. She had a chance to make it 3-0 less than a minute later, but her blast from 20 yards out smacked into the post.

Nash, though, made it 3-0 with a second-half goal.

Effingham will play host to Glynn Academy on Friday at 5 p.m.