BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

IRVINE — Martin County opened the soccer season in dominant fashion Saturday after they swept three games at the Estill County Soccerama.

The Lady Cardinals outscored their opponents 15-0, defeating Pendleton County 7-0, Harrison County 3-0 and host Estill County 5-0 to begin the season with a 3-0 record.

Jaz Jude led Martin County’s attack with six goals and one assist across the three matches. Faith Caldwell found the back of the net four times and handed out a team-high five assists.

Annaleigh Davis finished the day with three goals and two assists. Emily Mills and Anna Hinkle added one goal apiece with Hinkle also recording an assist.

Mia Preece and Hope Caldwell dished out two assists each. Lexi Cline chipped in one.

Martin County head coach Steven Gauze was pleased with the team’s effort in its first action of the season, particularly on the defensive end. The Lady Cardinals did not surrender a goal all day.

“The girls were really excited to play this past weekend,” Gauze said. “We started a little slow but wasn’t long before they were passing the ball and staying on the attack most of the time.”

“We still have things to work on but compared to last year I feel we are a better team. Next weekend we travel to Johnson Central for another Soccerama. We play East Carter, Ashland and JC, which are all good teams. Those games should be tough and really see how good we are,” Gauze added.