CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

PRESTONSBURG — Martin County High School girls soccer made history winning the school’s first All “A” Classic 15th Region championship. The Lady Cards reigned victorious over host Prestonsburg 1-0 in the title game Saturday at Stonecrest.

They defeated Shelby Valley 16-0 in the opening game Sept. 5 and Belfry 11-1 in the semifinal Thursday.

The Lady Cards have been in the regional championship game in prior years but will make their first-ever state tournament appearance.

Here is a recap of the tournament action:

MC 16, SV 0

The Lady Cards had been playing well and were looking to continue their four-game win streak as they opened tournament play Sept. 5 against Shelby Valley. They wasted no time putting points on the board and claiming the 16-0 win to advance to the semifinal against Belfry.

MC 11, BHS 1

Martin County had defeated Belfry 10-0 earlier this season, but the Pirates came ready to play.

Martin County scored first about 10 minutes into the first half. Belfry’s defense stepped up the intensity to hold the Lady Cards to one goal. After missing several shots, Belfry found the net to tie the score 1-1 by halftime.

The halftime talk by Martin County coach Steven Gauze must have been a good one. The Lady Cards came out in the second half to score 10 unanswered goals.

Martin County prevailed 11-1 victory to advance to the regional championship Saturday against Prestonsburg.

MC 1, PHS 0

The championship game looked to be a good one. Martin County and Belfry had met earlier in the season with Martin County winning 2-1.

The first half was fast-paced, with both teams quickly applying pressure on the ball. The Lady Cards had their chances but could not find the net as the half ended scoreless for both teams.

Both teams made adjustments in the second half. The Lady Cards began moving the ball offensively. About 15 minutes into the half, good ball movement led to a goal by Faith Caldwell to give Martin County a 1-0 lead.

The two opponents gave everything they had for the remainder of the game. Some close calls kept the Cardinals crowd cheering until the final whistle blew to declare Martin County the champion 1-0.

The Lady Cards had standout performances throughout the three games.

Laura Hale finished the tournament with 10 goals and three assists, Sophie McCoy tallied three goals and eight assists, Faith Caldwell had two goals and 11 assists, and Lena Hale recorded two goals and two assists.

The Lady Cards will play in the first round of the state tournament Thursday at West Carter.