LONDON — Two familiar foes will meet in Irvine on Monday during first round action of the KHSAA Girls’ Soccer State Tournament.
South Laurel (13-6) will face-off against 14th Region champion Estill County (15-6-1) for the fourth time overall, and second time in three years during the opening round of the Sweet Sixteen.
The Lady Cardinals lead the overall series, 3-0, including winning 2021’s matchup in first round action of the Sweet 16 via penalty kicks.
“Our girls are excited, but remain focused since winning the region,” South Laurel coach Lora Rison said. “Since dropping region last year to Corbin, our girls remained determined to bring the region title back to South. Every win and loss was a learning experience to get us closer to our goals.”
The Lady Engineers are led by Kaylee Powell, who has 29 goals, and 13 assists while Jenna Jackson has 18 goals, and 16 assists.
Estill County is 5-0-1 during its last six games, and had a 1-4 stretch before that, which included a 3-2 loss to North Laurel.
South Laurel’s Josie Gill leads the Lady Cardinals with 28 goals. She also has 14 assists. Gracie Hoskins has 18 goals, and nine assists while Ella Rison has 13 goals, and a team-best 17 assists.
“We have a great group of players, and many play in the off season, so I knew we had the talent and the ability capable of advancing to State,” Rison said. “Representing the 13th Region is a great accomplishment, we have some great teams in our area.
“Our team is more like a family with great chemistry and knowledge of the game,” she added. “We played Estill two years ago, winning in PKs to advance to the Elite Eight. Judging by their record, and teams they’ve played, it looks to be like another close match up.”
Game time is set for 7 p.m. on Monday.
