LONDON — Courtney Miller’s North Laurel Lady Jaguars entered the 49th District Girls’ Tournament with a chip on their shoulder after suffering two of their worst losses of the season during the final week of regular season play.
Those losses proved to be valuable learning experiences as they faced off against their crosstown rivals, South Laurel, in the championship game on Thursday.
After receiving goals from Makayla Mastin, Mia Anderson, and Lauren Crouch, North Laurel overcame an earlier loss to the Lady Cardinals, and prevailed, 3-2, while claiming their first district crown since 2020.
The one-goal win improved North Laurel to 10-4-1 while the Lady Cardinals fell to 11-6.
“Oh my gosh, what an amazing game,” Miller said. “What better way to have a North/South matchup but in the District Championship. I can’t express to you how proud I am of our girls. They came out confident, played as a team and they trusted each other through the whole 80 minutes of soccer.
“South is a great team and when they came back our girls didn’t hang their heads, they gave 100 percent until the final whistle,” she added. “I’m excited for this team to go into the Region Tournament with this momentum and confidence. It was a good day to be a North Laurel Jaguar.”
The Lady Jaguars surprised South Laurel right out of the gate as Mastin scored during the first minute to give her team an early 1-0 lead.
North Laurel’s lead grew to 2-0 during the 25th minute as Mia Anderson scored on a free kick.
The Lady Jaguars held the two-goal lead throughout the final 15 minutes of the first half.
South Laurel got on the scoreboard during the 48th minute as Trinity Rogers converted on a free kick to cut the Lady Cardinals’ deficit to 2-1.
The game remained close throughout until Crouch’s goal during the 75th minute gave North Laurel a 3-1 cushion.
South Laurel attempted to rally as Gracie Hoskins found the back of the net during the 77th minute, but the Lady Jaguars’ defensive play held the Lady Cardinals scoreless the final three minutes to wrap-up the win.
All Tournament Team
North Laurel
Brooklyn Mullins
Addison Murray
Mea Anderson
Makayla Mastin
South Laurel
Gracie Hoskins
Josie Gill
Ella Rison
Corbin
Caroline Steely
Kara Fuson
Whitley County
Autumn Sawyers
Deserae Haynes
