MCMS soccer honors eighth graders

Martin County Middle School soccer celebrated its eighth graders April 27 in Inez. From left: Aubree Muncy, Emily Mills, Alivia Stacy, assistant coach Whitney Maynard, head coach Steven Gauze, Kadence Muncy, Karstynn Robinson and Christina Begley.(Courtesy photo by Danesha Muncy)

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County Middle School soccer came up short in a pair of tightly contested matches last week, falling 1-0 to Johnson Central on April 21 before splitting with Belfry on Eighth Grade Night April 27.

Martin County’s Maddie Fletcher is lifted by the leg of an Eagle in a soccer match April 21 in Inez.(Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

Johnson Central 1, Martin County 0

The Lady Cardinals battled throughout but couldn’t find an equalizer in a 1-0 loss to Johnson Central.

Goalkeeper Kylie Messer delivered a strong performance to keep Martin County within striking distance. With 17:05 remaining in the second half, Messer reached above a crowded box to deny a scoring chance with multiple Johnson Central players closing in.

Cardinals goalkeeper Kylie Messer rises to stop a goal from a Johnson Central kicker April 21 in Martin County.(Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

She continued to come up big with another save at the 12-minute mark, then dropped to her knees to stop a shot with 8:27 left. Messer later jumped on a loose ball for a save at 5:47 and added one more stop with 1:07 remaining to keep the deficit at one goal.

Despite a late push, Martin County was unable to break through offensively.

Belfry 1, Martin County 0 (A team)
Martin County 2, Belfry 0 (B team)

Martin County split a pair of matches with Belfry on April 27 in Inez, falling 1-0 in the A team contest while the B team secured a 2-0 victory.

Lady Cardinal Alivia Stacy (1) battles for possession against an Eagle in a MCMS soccer game last week in Inez.(Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

The A team again found itself in a defensive battle but was unable to generate enough offense to even the score.

The B team provided a highlight on the night, earning a shutout win over Belfry. Aubrey Wilson pushed both goals into the net for the Lady Cards.

Head coach Steven Gauze said the night was about more than results, as the program recognized its eighth graders during a rebuilding season.

MCMS soccer player Aubree Muncy receives a pass during a soccer game against Johnson Central April 21 at Cardinal Stadium.(Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

“Winning the league last year and going undefeated was a dream season,” Gauze said. “This year has been very different with so many young and new players. They have had to take on more of a leadership role of trying to help teammates learn how to play—guide them on the field—but stay positive when you don’t have a lot of wins this season.”

Gauze said the effort from his veteran players was evident.

“Tonight you could see the eighth graders really pushing everyone to get the win,” he said. “It didn’t work out for us but still we have come a long way this season and they are a big part of it.”

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