CROSSTOWN STUNNER: South Laurel rallies from 2-0 deficit to capture 13th Region championship with 3-2 win over North Laurel

LONDON — They were down, but never out.

Lora Rison’s South Laurel Lady Cardinals we’re staring down a 2-0 deficit with only 30 minutes remaining in regulation before reeling off three unanswered goals to capture the 13th Region Girls’ Soccer Tournament Championship with a stunning, 3-2, victory over crosstown rival North Laurel.

The Lady Cardinals won the rubber match between the two teams after they both split a pair of games.

South Laurel won the regular season match between the two teams while the Lady Jaguars got revenge with a win in the 49th District title game.

“Coming into the season we had a major set back losing starting keeper Tess Little to a torn ACL,” South Laurel coach Lora Rison said. “But we rallied around Shelby Gambrel who has stepped up to the pressure and done a great job as keeper.
“Our girls have worked all season to prove themselves,” she added. “We knew North was a good team, with great players, we knew tonight would be a battle. Going into the half down two, we made a couple of adjustments that allowed us scoring opportunities. I am so proud of this team. They never got down or gave up, they left it all on the field this evening. We are looking forward to playing next week.”

North Laurel looked as if it were well on its way to a 13th Region crown, building a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Michaela Barnett, and Makayla Mastin.

Barnett’s goal came at the 18th minute while Mastin’s goal gave the Lady Jaguars a 2-0 advantage during the 22-minute mark.

North Laurel remained in control until the 50th minute when the Lady Cardinals’ Trinity Rogers found the back of the net to cut her team’s deficit to 2-1.

Gracie Hoskins tied the match at two apiece during the 59th minute before the tournament’s Offensive MVP Josie Gill sealed the deal for South Laurel with a goal during the 62nd minute.

13th Region Girls’ All-Tournament Team

Middlesboro

Addison Larue

Trinity Partin

Harlan County

Alia Burkhart

Taylor Clem

North Laurel

Makayla Mastin

Michaela Barnett

South Laurel

Ella Rison