INEZ — Martin County High School girls soccer opened the season with a 5-1 win over Pikeville at home.

Martin County looked sharp from the kickoff, moving the ball well and getting some early shots on goal. Forward Laura Hale found the net around the 5-minute mark to take the lead 1-0. Freshman Faith Caldwell soon followed for her first varsity goal and a 2-0 lead. Senior Sophie McCoy added a third goal to give the Lady Cards a 3-0 lead at the half.

The Lady Cards struggled in the second half, getting good goal-scoring opportunities but not finding the net.

Just as Pikeville was about to give up on getting past the defense, the Lady Panthers broke through to narrow the gap to 3-1 early in the second half.

Martin County responded by picking up the pressure on defense and moving the ball quicker on offense. This led to a second goal for Hale to keep the pressure on.

Martin County finished the game with McCoy getting her second goal on a perfect cross by Lena Hale to give the Lady Cards the win.

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association voted to do away with districts and district tournaments this season for soccer only. Now all schools are part of a Super Region, giving each regional game more significance in seeding for the tournaments.

The Lady Cards have high expectations this season and played well during the preseason.

Martin County will take on Belfry in another regional game Monday in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Cup at Martin County. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m.