63rd District girls soccer: Ashland breaks early ice, chills Boyd

Oct. 14--ASHLAND A lackluster start didn't stop Ashland's girls soccer team from returning to another district championship game.

Reliable seniors Aidan Young and Charity Collins came through again with big plays to lift the LadyCats past Boyd County 3-1 on Monday night at the Ashland Soccer Complex.

Ashland will meet Russell for the 63rd District title Wednesday at 6 p.m., with both teams advancing to the 16th Region Tournament.

Young received a short pass from Collins and connected on a booming shot from outside the 18 to break a scoreless tie inside the two-minute mark of the first half.

"Charity made a good pass to me," Young said. "I think that's what we needed, one goal and then we were pretty solid."

A couple of minutes earlier, Young took a spill near midfield and grabbed her ankle in pain. But she soon got up and continued play.

"I went to kick the ball and I kicked the bottom of the Boyd County girl's cleat instead," Young said.

The LadyCats held the lead the rest of the way despite a spirited effort from Boyd County.

"They are getting a lot better," Young said of the Lady Lions. "They are tough competition. Our seniors have never gone out in the district. We couldn't let it happen this year."

Ashland coach E.B. Lowman was glad to see some life from his team after a sluggish showing for most of the first half.

"We were standing around a lot early," Lowman said. "There was no visible sign of urgency from our team. It's like we were running in mud. We weren't talking and weren't passing the ball. I think when Aidan scored that goal, it kind of put them in the mindset that we were in a soccer match."

Collins agreed.

"I don't think we came to play," she said. "After halftime we knew we had to turn it up, or we weren't going to make it."

Collins put Ashland up 2-0 eight minutes into the second half with her 100th career goal, courtesy of a nice setup from sophomore teammate Jessica Hunley.

"Jessica came down to the corner with the ball, crossed it and I ran it in," Collins said.

The forward/midfielder became the second player in LadyCats history to reach the century mark for goals, joining Sarah Lowman (153 from 1996-99).

Boyd County (4-11-3) answered with a goal in the 63rd minute. Junior Paige Morella scored off senior Cydney Thompson's assist.

First-year Lady Lions coach Jordan Stevens said she was pleased with her team's performance, win or lose.

"I liked that it was not the same game as the last time we were here," Stevens said of a 5-0 defeat on Sept. 16. "Tonight, we played balls over their defense. The girls knew going in it would be tough and they would have to fight. I think they fought, regardless of the score."

Ashland (10-7) got an insurance goal from Young with 17 minutes remaining. Cut off in the middle, Young passed the ball outside to Jenna Cook who sent it right back. Young turned and fired a shot into the net for her second score of the match and 10th on the season.

"I've played a lot of defensive center mid this season," Young said. "To be pushed up and get this result was exciting for our team and for me, too."

Ashland outshot Boyd County 23-11. Boyd County goalkeeper Destiny Goins had nine saves, while Ashland's Jamie Downey finished with six.

The LadyCats face a tall order Wednesday. Russell won their two regular season meetings by scores of 7-0 and 7-2.

"We're going to have to come out ready to play hard for 80 minutes," Lowman said.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.

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