Lady Cards 4-1 in preseason play
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
INEZ — As the floodlights take over the Martin County High School soccer field, there is an energy in the air. The Lady Cards are back in action and the excitement is evident from the stands to the pitch.
After an outstanding preseason where the Lady Cards tallied an imposing 4-1 record against last season’s regional champions, the stage is set for a potentially groundbreaking season.
The Lady Cards roster this year boasts 11 ambitious and experienced seniors alongside a cadre of eager freshmen hot on the heels of their own shining season. The mix promises a balance of mature skills and youthful vigor.
Coach Steven Gauze is leading the helm and looks for senior leadership from three standout players: Lena Hale (the team captain), Sophie McCoy (the prodigious scorer) and Caitlyn Horn (the impenetrable defensive anchor). The trio, having grown up playing under Gauze’s watchful eyes since their youth days, share a unique bond on and off the pitch. Gauze expects them to bring their A-game.
Other returning senior starters like Tamara Workman, Hailey Damron, and Addison Duncan lend weight to the team’s capabilities.
Not to be outdone, last season’s top scorer, junior Laura Hale, is on track to potentially break records this year.
The defense sees junior Grace Caldwell and freshman Londyn Fraley joining forces with Horn, Workman and sophomore Emily Ledford.
The midfield looks to benefit from the transition of middle school sensation Faith Caldwell. Her spectacular performance, leading the Martin County Middle School to a conference championship, was the talk of the town. Her move to the high school team has fans and critics eager to see her in action.
Coach Gauze’s optimism is evident.
“We still have a lot of work to do, but I’m really excited about our season,” he remarked. “Preseason gave me a chance to try some things to see what works and see what players were really ready to play. The girls have really been working hard, and I think we will be a fun team to watch this year.”
The new season dawned with a home game Tuesday against Pikeville.