Over the last five seasons, the Henderson County girls’ soccer team had turned the 2nd Region tournament into a personal showcase, claiming the trophy each season while outscoring their title-game opposition 22-2 during that span.
However, that run came to a low-scoring end on Thursday night, with Madisonville-North Hopkins topping the Lady Colonels 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout to prevail 1-0 and capture its first championship since a run of three-straight ending in 2014.
It was clear from the first whistle that it would be a tight, back-and-forth affair, with Madisonville having the first good chance when Abigail Center was denied on a 1v1 opportunity with Henderson keeper Ashby Greenwell.
Henderson’s Nadia Gilbert found space in front of the Madisonville goal after a loose ball, but the Lady Maroons’ Kara Franklin got a hand on her close-range shot. With only a minute to play in the first half, Henderson’s Reese Crafton tested Franklin with a long free-kick, but she was able to tip it over the crossbar to preserve the tie.
The second half was more of the same, with each team pressuring the other for stretches, but no clear chances. With three minutes left in regulation, Henderson’s Maci Onstott forced a diving save out of Franklin, but the game remained scoreless.
Neither team could find the winner in overtime, with Henderson’s Ashton Lynam going closest when her shot required another diving save from Madisonville’s Franklin.
As she did earlier this season, Madisonville’s injured star Camryn LaGrange came off the bench to bury her penalty kick to get the shootout started. Cecilia Palummo was first for Henderson, but her low shot was saved by Franklin to give the Lady Maroons the early edge.
Shayla Embry was on target for Madisonville, followed by a make for Henderson’s Isabella McChessney. Kylee Coyle’s effort sailed high and wide for the Lady Maroons, opening the door for Henderson to tie things up. Maci Onstott did just that, followed by makes for both Madisonville’s Olivia Burris and Henderson’s Lynam. Lillie Knight was good with the Lady Maroons’ final kick, heaping the pressure on Crafton for Henderson. Her kick went high, setting off the Madisonville celebration.
Madisonville will be on the road at defending state champions Greenwood on Saturday for the sectional match after the Lady Gators also needed penalty kicks to get past Bowling Green in the 4th Region championship on Thursday.
