By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
St. Henry claimed its fifth state championship trophy in girls soccer Sunday when the Crusaders blanked Bardstown Bethlehem, 5-0, in the Kentucky All “A” Classic title game at Capital View Park in Frankfort.
This was the first time in the seven-year history of the All “A” Classic small-school state soccer playoffs that St. Henry’s girls qualified for the eight-team state tournament. The Crusaders had won three All “A” State Cup girls state titles in 2008, 2009 and 2011 and the overall Kentucky high school girls soccer championship in 2010.
On Saturday, St. Henry defeated Lexington Sayre, 2-1, in the first round and knocked off Prestonsburg, 4-2, in the semifinals to move on to the championship game. The Crusaders posted their fourth shutout of the season in the win over Bethlehem that raised their overall record to 11-4.
St. Henry junior forward MacKenzie Kent was named the state tournament’s most valuable player. After scoring two goals in each of her team’s first two victories, she had three goals and two assists in the championship game.
“She played amazing,” said St. Henry coach Bob Nields. “MacKenzie expects perfection and makes all players around her better. A privilege to watch and to coach.”
The other Crusaders named to the state all-tournament team were senior goalkeeper Emma Nieheisel, junior Jenna Berling and seniors Katie Evans and Erin Cheek.
“Like a lot of teams, we have had our adversity this year, losing two starters for the season,” Nields said. “But the girls seemed to have bonded on that adversity and are now playing better than ever. Our team is very excited to have achieved one of its goals. We look forward to seeing what we can do next.”
The post-season playoffs in high school soccer are scheduled to begin on Oct. 7. St. Henry won the 34th District title and made it to the 9th Region semifinals in last year’s playoffs.