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By Casey Roberts, Contributing Writer

The Lincoln County High School girls soccer team recently competed in the Bluegrass State Games, showcasing their skills and gaining valuable experience ahead of the upcoming season. Head coach Lewis Cummins was pleased with the team’s performance, noting both the benefits and challenges of the tournament.

“It was a good experience for the girls,” Cummins said. “We got some games in early to kind of see what we need to work on. We won two games and tied one. It was a good opportunity, especially since a couple of our seniors couldn’t play that weekend, allowing some younger players to get valuable experience.”

The team’s record in the tournament was commendable, with two wins and a tie. They concluded the weekend with a strong 4-0 victory over Bourbon County. However, it was the 1-1 tie against Russell that stood out to Cummins.

“The game I was most proud of was the tie against Russell,” Cummins explained. “Russell was probably the best team we played; they made it to the final eight in the state last year. That tie meant more to me than the other two wins because it showed our girls could compete at a high level.”

In their first match, Lincoln County edged out LaRue County with a 1-0 victory. They followed this up with the hard-fought tie against Russell and wrapped up the tournament with the dominant win over Bourbon County.

Cummins highlighted the performances of a few players who stepped up during the tournament. “We had a couple of girls who really stepped up. Halle Mullins scored three goals, and Mia Boden added two. They filled the void left by one of our top scorers from last year, who scored 28 goals.”

Reflecting on the overall experience, Cummins was optimistic about the team’s progress. “The girls were tired, but ending on a positive note was great for their spirits. The Bluegrass State Games gave us a good look at what we need to work on, but it also built some confidence and provided valuable information for the girls.”

Looking ahead to the season, Cummins anticipates a competitive district, particularly with strong teams like Boyle County and Garrard County. “Boyle is really good; they were in the Final Four in the state last year. Garrard has a good young core and was pretty strong last year as well. It’s going to be a tough district.”

Overall, the Bluegrass State Games served as a beneficial early test for the Lincoln County girls soccer team, providing a mix of competitive play and developmental opportunities. As they prepare for the season, the team aims to build on the momentum gained and address the areas identified for improvement.

“It was a little bit of both—seeing where we are and building positive momentum,” Cummins concluded. “The girls were able to gather some good information for themselves. It was a really good weekend.”

The Lady Pats officially begin their season August 12, hosting Anderson County at 6:00 P.M.