Aug. 29, 2011

LEXINGTON, KY – UK freshman soccer player Arin Gilliland was named the SEC Freshman of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday.

Gilliland, a 5-8 defender from Lexington, Ky., scored her first collegiate goal in Kentucky’s 2-1 win over Eastern Kentucky last week. After playing the entire first half on the defensive back line, Gilliland was moved up top to help generate offense. Trailing EKU 1-0 late in the second half, Gilliland drew a foul inside the box resulting in a PK for the Wildcats; UK would convert with 10 minutes left in the match to tie. Gilliland then scored the game-winner with just over two minutes left in the match.

The award is Gilliland’s first this season and the first for Kentucky this year as well.

Kentucky returns to action Friday in Louisville in the Courtyard by Marriott Airport Cardinal Classic. The Wildcats take on Central Michigan in a 5:00 p.m. kickoff.