The Somerset Lady Jumpers kicked off their 2026 campaign at the Briar Patch on Monday, squaring off against a strong Taylor County squad. It was a rowdy crowd on hand as well, with Briar Jumper Nation showing up in full force with a strong student section.
Despite Somerset taking the first set and seemingly getting all the momentum in the contest, the Lady Cardinals bounced back and won the second set by over 10 points. Reagan Childers had a Sportscenter highlight play in the set though, with a diving dig taking her into Somerset’s bench.
It was a battle of endurance in the third set, with the Cardinals winning after a combined 56 points from both teams. Taylor County ended up claiming the victory after the fourth set, defeating the Jumpers 3-1 (21-25, 25-12, 29-27, 25-16).
Somerset starts the season out 0-1 and will next travel to Clinton County on Tuesday night.
Somerset sprints past Casey in season-opener
The Somerset Briar Jumpers hosted the Casey County in an early afternoon opener to the season on Saturday. On what was a hot day on the pitch, it was a hot day on offense for the Jumpers, as they took down their district foe 7-1.
Kaden Taylor led the way with two goals in the contest. Other contributors included Jimmer Erby with one goal, Chris Amaya Rosales with one goal, Caiden Martin with one goal, Elmer Rivas with one goal, Cooper Neikirk with one goal, Bradley Tomlinson with one assist, Benjamin Catalino with one assist, Hayden Hernandez with two assists and Logan White with two assists.
Somerset starts the season 1-0 in terms of both their normal record and district record. The Briar Jumpers will next host Southwestern in a crosstown match on Tuesday.
Lady Warriors battle to draw with Garrard
The Southwestern Lady Warriors traveled to Garrard County to take on the Lady Lions on Monday in a battle of two upper echelon teams in the 12th Region. It was quite the battle as well, with the two ending up in a 2-2 draw by the end of the 80-minute contest.
Southwestern sits at 2-0-1 for the season and will next travel to Boyle County to take on the defending region champions on Thursday.
Maroons earn draw against West Jess
The Pulaski County Maroons traveled to Nicholasville on Saturday to take on the defending region champions West Jessamine. By the end of the contest, the two teams proved to both be contenders for this season as they fought to a 1-1 draw.
Jay Venters had the lone goal for the Maroons, with Ethan DaSilva contributing via an assist. Mario Mercado allowed just one goal while also recording three saves.
Pulaski sits at 1-0-1 and will host Casey County for their home opener on Tuesday.