BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PAINTSVILLE — Martin County Lady Cards put on a show as they blanked the Pikeville Panthers 9-0 in the 15th Region Soccer Tournament semifinals Monday at Johnson Central High School.
The Lady Cards wasted no time asserting their authority on the field. With an assist from senior Sophie McCoy, freshman Faith Caldwell struck first to put the Lady Cards in the lead 1-0. Caldwell continued her impressive performance, scoring her second goal, again assisted by McCoy, and extending the Martin County lead to 2-0.
McCoy joined the scoring frenzy, netting Martin County’s third goal with an assist from Laura Hale.
The Lady Cards were not done with the first half yet, as Caldwell completed a hat trick for her third goal with an assist from Lena Hale.
Martin County held a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.
The second half was much like the first. Laura Hale added to the tally to make it 5-0 on an assist from McCoy. Hailey Damron added Martin County’s sixth goal, assisted by Lena Hale.
Lena Hale herself found the net, assisted by McCoy, stretching the lead to 7-0.
Laura Hale scored her second goal of the night with an assist from McCoy. Sealing the victory, McCoy secured her second goal, this time with an assist from Caldwell.
Excited by the team’s performance, Coach Steven Gauze declared, “It’s time to get ready for the championship game Thursday night.”
The Lady Cards dominated every aspect of the game. Caldwell contributed three goals and one assist; Sophie McCoy scored two goals and provided five assists; Laura Hale notched two goals and one assist; Lena Hale scored one goal and contributed two assists; and Hailey Damron added one goal.
In the goalkeeping department, Addison Duncan tallied six saves and allowed no goals, marking the Lady Cards’ 13th shutout of the season.
This Lady Cards team shows remarkable chemistry and exceptional passing skills. With this win they advance their record to 18-3 and are ready to bring home the 15th Region championship.
The championship match kicks off at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Central.
