Women’s Soccer Welcomes West Virginia in NCAA Tournament First Round
LEXINGTON, Ky. – For the first time in a decade, No. 5-seeded Kentucky women’s soccer (11-4-4, 3-3-4) will return to the NCAA tournament when they host West Virginia (12-5-2, 8-2-1) on Friday, November 15th at 7 p.m. in the first round at the Bell Soccer Complex. Tickets are on sale here, and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The Wildcats enter the postseason after enjoying their best season since 2014 with an 11-4-4 record and a 9-0-3 home record. The Wildcats hit double figures in wins for the first time in a decade and defended the Bell, going undefeated at home for just the second season in program history and the first since 2011. Kentucky got off to a flying start to begin 2024, going 8-0 in non-conference play for the first time in program history.
Makala Woods, who’s had a breakout career season with the Wildcats, leads the team in goals (11) and points (23) and was named the Southeastern Conference Newcomer of the Year for her accomplishments. Woods also earned ALL-SEC First Team honors alongside teammate Grace Phillpotts. Maddie Kemp, who leads the team in assists (5), earned ALL-SEC Third Team honors. Alexis Tylenda, who had three goals and an assist for seven points in her debut season was named to the SEC All-Freshman team. The five post-season awards from the SEC are the most in program history.
Not to be forgotten, Troy Fabiano earned his 350th win as a head coach after the 4-0 victory over Tennessee at the end of the regular season.
West Virginia enters the tournament after a double overtime loss to No. 6-seed Kansas in the Big 12 Conference Tournament. Lexi Watts scored in the 101st minute to give the Jayhawks the golden goal win. The Mountaineers are led by Ajanae Respass and Taylor White who have seven goals each while Lilly McCarthy leads the team in assists with six. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Smith has 51 saves on the year with five shutouts while allowing 18 goals.
The Wildcats are 1-2-0 all-time against the Mountaineers, with the last meeting coming in the form of a 4-2 win in Morgantown on September 15th, 2013. West Virginia will make its first trip to Lexington in 20 years, as the program has not visited the Bluegrass State since August 27th, 2004, when they won 3-2.
The Wildcats will make their 12th appearance in the NCAA tournament with an overall record of 3-10-2. Kentucky had lost eight straight first round games in tournament history before earning their first appearance in the second round in 2012. In 2014, the program made history winning both first and second round games to earn its first-ever appearance in the Sweet 16.
The winner of Friday’s match will face the winner of the No. 4 seed Notre Dame – Milwaukee match with the host site to be determined based on the highest remaining seed.
For the latest on UK Women’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on Facebook, Instagram, X and at UKathletics.com.
