BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

GRAYSON — The Martin County Middle School soccer team captured the Ohio Valley Conference championship in a 3-2 victory over Ashland on May 19 at East Carter.

The win cemented the Lady Cards’ first-ever undefeated season.

Head coach Steven Gauze said the accomplishment was especially meaningful given the size of the roster and the commitment it took to stay consistent all season.

“Winning the championship is huge for our program, school and county,” Gauze said. “Martin County’s soccer program isn’t the biggest in the area. Our school district is small compared to most other districts and I only had 14 girls on the team. Despite all that, these girls worked hard for years to be the best. Proves that with hard work and dedication you can win a championship.”

Jaz Jude led the Cardinals with three goals while Hope Caldwell contributed two assists in the championship match.

The path to the title included a 3-0 win over Russell in the semifinals May 14.

In that match Hope Caldwell, Jaz Jude and Annaleigh Davis each booted in a goal, with Davis also adding an assist. Anna Hinkle recorded one assist in the win to send the Cards on to the final round.

Martin County, competing in the OVC’s East Region, has now won the conference title twice.

This year’s title follows a runner-up finish two years ago and a Final Four appearance last season. The Cardinals have also secured the East Region title three times.

Coach Gauze stayed focused on each game as it came, even as the wins added up.

“The final two weeks we played very well, so I knew we had a good chance to win the title,” he said. “But I didn’t think about an undefeated season until the championship game.”

The coach has developed Martin County into a powerhouse program both at the middle and high school levels.

“I’ve coached for many years and this is my first championship going undefeated,” he commented. “I’m very proud to be a part of it. This has been a season that I will never forget.”