Historic night in the 5th Region

For the first time in … ever, the soccer region championship involving schools from the Hardin/Nelson areas will not feature a team from the E'town district. More often than not, it's been E'town HS dominating this region, with Central Hardin sneaking in a few times until the past three seasons.

Never have two teams from the Bardstown area faced off in the finals. Bardstown and two-time defending champ Bethlehem meet up for the 4th time this year. The Banshees needed a shootout last week to win the district title, and they're on a 30-match streak over 5th Region rivals the past three seasons.

The Bardstown area has really upped its game in girls' soccer in recent years. Two recent players from the 19th District are currently on OVC rosters, and three others who will be playing in tonight's game will be going to OVC schools. Several others have a good shot to go D-II or NAIA D-I. It's been interesting and fun to watch this current talent boom for the area.