Following lopsided wins Tuesday, Middlesboro and Bell County will meet for a second straight year to determine the 50th District girls soccer champion.
The 13-3-1 Lady Jacket shut out injury-riddled Harlan County, 5-0 in Tuesday’s opener, while the Lady Bobcats scored a 12-1 win over host Knox Central. The championship game is scheduled for 6 p.m. today at Knox Central.
Middlesboro shut out Bell County twice during the regular season by scores of 3-0 and 6-0.
Coach Trish Crider’s Harlan County squad fell for a third time this season to Middlesboro, with sophomore Madlyn Burkhart collecting 19 saves. Middlesboro scoring and goalkeeper statistics were not available at press time.
Crider’s Lady Bears battled injuries throughout the season and finished with an overall record of 2-10, but the first-year head coach sees brighter days ahead.
“It’s been a good season. We have to work hard in the off-season and get stronger,” she said. “We have had many players out this season with injuries
“We are at a disadvantage playing and practicing on a dirt field when we go anywhere else in the state and they have turf. The girls have a hard time adjusting. I look forward to a new start next season, and maybe we will have more players come out.
“It’s been a privilege to coach these girls. They are becoming a team. Things take time and I am very proud of these girls. I will miss my seniors (Rileigh Duff and Bailey Dunn) terribly.”
Bell County (8-5-1) got six goals and two assists Tuesday from freshman Ryleigh Sturgill in the win over Knox Central. Sophomore Jayda Boateng added three goals and an assist for the Lady Cats, while classmate Kyra Ho scored two goals and assisted on another. Junior Lyla Scearse scored the lone other goal for Bell County.
Junior goalkeeper Ella Pruette was credited with four saves for Bell County.