BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WEST LIBERTY — Martin County soccer team played the first game after losing their goalkeeper, Marlie Fletcher, for the remainder of the season. The Cardinals rolled into Morgan County and came away victorious with an 8-1 performance Sept. 27.

Laura Hale scored a haul with four goals on the evening. She moved into the 30 range and now has 32 goals on the season. Hale also assisted on two goals.

Sophie McCoy, the feisty forward, has 22 goals this year after booting in another two against the Cougars. She had three assists in the game.

Caitlyn Horn knocked in a goal and assisted on one, Tamara Workman has now scored a goal for two games in a row and Hailey Damron picked up an assist.

Addison Duncan stepped into the goal to take over for Fletcher. She stopped Morgan County from scoring six times.

Martin County head coach Steven Gauze was glad to pick up another win before the upcoming District tournament.

“We didn’t start the game with a lot of energy. Ball movement was slow, and we gave up a goal because we weren’t stepping to the ball fast enough,” Gauze said. “The second half we came out with a lot more energy and looked a lot better. We pressured them defensively, leading to several of our goals. We still have things to improve on, but overall, I felt like we played well.”

Martin County plays the winner of Johnson Central and Paintsville tonight in the championship game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Johnson Central.