Lady Lions Set to Open 12th Region Tournament Tonight Against Pulaski County

October 13, 2025 / Ted Cox

The Garrard County Lady Lions begin their postseason campaign tonight as they take on Pulaski County in the opening round of the 2025 12th Region Girls Soccer Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Boyle County High School.

Garrard County enters the match with a 12-4-2 overall record, finishing third in the 12th Region standings with a solid 8-2 regional mark. Led by head coach Brett Deshon, the Lady Lions boast one of the region's most dynamic attacks, having scored 69 goals through 18 games this season while conceding 41.

Junior forward Paisley Poynter has been the team’s standout performer, registering 28 goals and 14 assists for a total of 70 points—making her one of the most prolific offensive players in the region. Senior Eva Elleman and junior Ava Warren have also been instrumental, contributing 17 and 16 goals respectively, while combining for 20 assists.

Defensively, junior goalkeeper Claire Weaver has anchored the back line with 80 saves and six shutouts across the season. Garrard’s ability to balance scoring power with reliable defense has made them a formidable opponent heading into regional play.

Tonight's matchup is a rematch of an early-season meeting on August 16, when the Lady Lions earned a 4-0 road victory over Pulaski County. However, Pulaski County has improved significantly since then, posting a 13-5-2 record and finishing with a strong 9-3-2 regional performance.

The winner of tonight's game will advance to the semifinal round on Wednesday, October 15. With both teams riding momentum into the postseason, the match is expected to be closely contested and could set the tone for the remainder of the tournament.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early as tournament play typically draws a strong crowd. The match follows the 45th District Championship game, where Garrard County fell to Boyle County, the region’s top-ranked team. A victory tonight would give the Lady Lions a chance to bounce back and continue their quest for a regional title.

First kick is at 6:30 p.m. in what promises to be a high-stakes opener for both programs.