After a 15-4 regular season record and being ranked in the top 10 of the power rankings for most of the season, the Clinton Lady Cardinals soccer team earned the number one seed for the Class 2 District 5 tournament. This was their first time securing the coveted the number one seed since 2014.
The tournament started on May 20 when the Lady Cards traveled to Bolivar to take on the number eight seed Aurora Lady Houns. Clinton jumped out to an early lead by scoring in the first five minutes and continued to control the game as they took a 6-1 lead into halftime. The Lady Cardinals continued to control possession in the second half and tacked on three more goals to end the game with a 9-1 final.
Goals were scored by Alexis Fowler, Leah Kenney (2), Lily Kenney (2), Taryn Mantonya (2), Sabrina Meloy, and Kylie Williamson. Clinton shared the ball well and recorded 7 assists which is the most in a single game since Coach Adams took over 2022.
Assists were recorded by Hadley Delozier, Leah Kenney, Lily Kenney (2), Bailey Klahs, Taryn Mantonya, and Kylie Williamson.
Clinton's semifinal matchup took place on May 22 at Logan-Rogersville High School when the Lady Cards took on the number four seeded New Covenant Academy Warriors. Clinton jumped out to a hot start and took a 4-0 lead going into half. New Covenant continued to fight in the second half but the Lady Cards were able to maintain their halftime lead and win the game, 5-1.
Alexis Fowler (2), Lily Kenney, Bailey Klahs, and Kylie Williamson all picked up goals in the Clinton win. Kayson Nold recorded the lone assist in the game.
The semifinal win was the Cardinals 17th win of the year breaking the school win record set in 2023. More importantly, the win gives Clinton their third straight district championship appearance where they take on the 2 seed Logan-Rogersville. Logan-Rogersville is becoming a well-known opponent as they have been the team to beat Clinton in the championship game the last two years. The Lady Cards are looking for their first district title since they won Class 1 District 9 in 2014.
That district championship was scheduled to be played on Tuesday night, May 27, and it's result will be carried in next week's edition of The Clinton Daily Democrat.
