Adriana Rowe scored 35 goals and established herself as one of the state’s most prolific scorers last season as a freshman on the girls soccer team at Harlan County High School
Rowe was expected to lead the Lady Bears this season under first-year coach Trish Crider, but was not listed on the HCHS roster to open the 2025 season, having transferred to Allen County-Scottsville and leaving a gaping hole on the Lady Bears’ front line.
All of that changed earlier this week when Rowe transferred back to HCHS, and then had an immediate impact on the field Tuesday night in a district road match at Knox Central.
After losing seven straight games, injury-riddled HCHS rallied to beat Knox Central, 5-4, with Rowe netting three goals in her return. Freshman Anessa Carroll also scored two goals for the Lady Bears.
“Last night was a great win, and we are tickled to have Adriana back,” Crider said. “She wasn’t happy at her other school and missed home.
“Having (Rowe) there on the offensive line has completed the team. She was our missing link, and she came back with a mission.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Madalyn Burkhart recorded 11 saves in the win at Knox Central, while senior Bailey Dunn and sophomore Ashton Marlowe were each credited with an assist.
With the return next week of freshman goalkeeper Brooklyn Haywood and the impending return of sophomore striker McKenna Dillman, Crider is optimistic about her team’s chances heading into the 50th District Tournament in two weeks.
“We are working as a team and learning as we go,” Crider said about her 2-7 Lady Bears. “With districts coming up and seeing how we came from behind last night, anything is possible. If these girls want to win, they can.
“I’m very proud of these girls and the effort they showed last night. These girls have fight in them.”
The Lady Bears have two road games remaining on the regular season schedule, with a game Tuesday at North Laurel and Thursday at Letcher Central.