Statebound! Undefeated Martin County 3-peats 15th Region All ‘A’ Classic

Martin County soccer celebrates the 15th Region All “A” title after their championship win Saturday against the Prestonsburg Blackcats at Bob Amos Park. (Courtesy photo by Keli Jude)

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PIKEVILLE — Martin County soccer (8-0) is heading to the state All “A” Classic after an undefeated run through the 15th Region All “A” at Bob Amos Park in Pike County.

The Cardinals opened the tournament Sept. 1 with a forfeit win over Paintsville. They cruised to a 9-1 victory against Pikeville on Sept. 3 before they stomped Prestonsburg 8-0 Saturday in the championship match.

The win marks their third year in a row capturing the coveted title.

Martin County High School soccer captured the 15th Region All “A” Classic title for their third straight year Sept. 6 in Pike County after mercy-ruling Prestonsburg 8-0. (Photo courtesy of Steven Gauze)

Senior Maja Alm-Arnesen led the scoring in the title game with four goals. Faith Caldwell added two goals and four assists. Freshmen Annaleigh Davis and Jaz Jude each scored once. Hope Caldwell assisted on two goals and Madelyn Goble helped a Cardinal score on one.

Goalkeeper Bri Muncy recorded 10 saves and a clean sheet in the championship game.

Martin County’s Emily Ledford reels back to kick against a Prestonsburg defender in the 15th Region All “A” title game in Pike County on Saturday. (Courtesy photo by Keli Jude)

Head coach Steven Gauze provided a message to his Cardinals before the state matchup.

“We need to have more consistency,” he said.

A coach who strives for perfection is still aware of the talent his girls boast.

“Our team has skill and can play at a high level. We need to always push each other in practice and games to play that way,” said Gauze. “That means being 100% focused on playing our best game every time.”

Jaz Jude (3) of Martin County with the header versus Prestonsburg in the 15th Region All “A” championship game Sept. 6 in Pikeville. (Courtesy photo by Keli Jude)

Jude led the way for the Cards in the semifinal matchup against the Panthers after she booted in four goals and assisted on one. F. Caldwell fired in three goals and had her hand in five after assisting a fellow Cardinal. Davis sent in two through the goal posts and had an assist. H. Caldwell and Goble passed off to a teammate for a score.

The Cardinals will represent the 15th Region in the All “A” state tournament Sept. 9 at Menifee County.

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