The Kentucky women?s soccer team will kick off the 2005-06 season with its lone exhibition match on Thursday, Aug. 18, at Louisville. UK?s first regular-season match will be in Lexington on Aug. 26 when they host Michigan State.

The Cardinals were 12-5-3 last season and return their top scorers in Jamie Craft (14 G, 2 A, 30 Pts.) and Lauren Podvin (8 G, 5 A, 21 Pts.).

?This is our first test to get on the field and get organized for our opener against Michigan State,? said head coach Warren Lipka. ?I look forward to seeing a lot of our newcomers on the field and get the opportunity to see where they are and how they?re progressing.?

The 2005 squad looks to improve on a 6-12-1 record and Lipka sees the potential for a much stronger finish from his Cats this season.

Kentucky returns eight starters from a season ago and adds 13 newcomers to the roster. The fresh faces figure to play key roles in replacing departing seniors Alli Haeussler, Jessica Laswell, Danielle Slupski and Erin Witchey.

The Cats have a strong senior class returning, led by Kristin Moyer, Jen Weakley, Courtney McCrudden, Ashley Schillig and Liz Butler.