July 20, 1998
LEXINGTON, Ky. – In 1997, the Kentucky women’s soccer team featured 17 players who were getting their first taste of Division I soccer. Of the 11 players who started at least 15 of UK’s 22 games, eight were either freshmen or sophomores. That inexperience resulted in a somewhat disappointing 9-12-1 regular season. However, the skills of those young players was evident as the Wildcats came within a single game of capturing the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title, finishing with a 6-2 league record. In 1998, UK’s youthful talent has a year of valuable experience under its belt and is primed to once again challenge for SEC, regional and national recognition.
Goalkeepers
Once again, goalkeeping should be a strength for the Wildcats. In senior Carrie Kuhnell and sophomore Beth Wells, Kentucky easily has one of the best goalkeeper combinations in both the Southeastern Conference and the Great Lakes Region.
Kuhnell, who ranks second in the SEC in career goals-against-average, started 19 games between the posts in 1997, registering three shutouts. In her three-year career, Kuhnell has 18 shutouts, good enough to rank third all-time in the SEC.
Wells showed her potential as a true freshman, allowing just five goals in five games, posting a shutout against Detroit in just her second career start. Senior Ellen Lord rounds out the goalkeeping position, giving UK valuable depth between the posts.
Defense
Anchoring the UK defense will be junior Allison Peppers. A second-team All-SEC selection last season, Peppers was also named Defensive M.V.P. at the Wisconsin Invitational and was named to Soccer America’s Team of the Week for the second time in her career.
Sophomore Emily Oetjen steps into an outside marking back spot, after having turned in a strong spring season. Newcomer Melinda Buemi also looks to fill an outside marking back position. A member of the national team pool in 1996 and ’97, Buemi was a member of five state championship teams while playing with the Express club team.
Hope Deutschle and Deanna Stayton will also challenge for time in the defense. Deutschle played in 18 of 22 games last season after receiving a medical redshirt in 1996. Stayton primarily played forward last season, but has the ability to play in the defense as well.
Midfield
The UK midfield will showcase what is perhaps the Wildcats’ biggest strength in 1998 – versatility. Several players have the ability to switch positions, giving Kentucky several options in the middle of the field. Jaime Dellbringge, Margo Hafer, Brooke Hergesell and Jen Reese are all returning starters and are joined by sophomore returnee Debbie Blake and redshirt freshman Heather Pielage. In addition, highly touted freshmen Aimee Brown and Susan Ledzianowski are both impact players and will push for playing time.
Dellbringge, Hafer and Reese each played in all 22 games last season, despite being true freshmen. Hergesell was the squad’s second-leading goal scorer a year ago and finished third in the UK points race. Blake saw action in 18 games last season after redshirting in 1996, while Pielage redshirted last season.
Newcomers Brown and Ledzianowski should provide an immediate spark in the midfield. Brown played for the nation’s runner-up club team, while Ledzianowski won state titles with her club team in 1996 and ’97. Sophomore Annie Gage, who figured to be one of the Wildcats’ top midfielders, will be forced to sit out the 1998 season with a medical redshirt after injuring her knee.
Forward
UK lost all-time leading scorer and All-SEC forward Kim LaBelle to graduation, but the Wildcats should not miss a beat, as forwards Carrie Staber and Jennifer McMaster return up top. Both are proven goalscorers and are equally adept at creating chances for other players. Staber was the team’s second-leading scorer, posting 16 points after scoring six goals, including two game-winners. McMaster tied for the team lead in assists, and was tied for third in scoring with 15 points. Mandy Pielage turned in an outstanding spring season and will push for time in the front line, while Krissy Couch returns from from a redshirt season in 1997 and provides depth at the forward spot.
With the combination of valuable experience and versatile talent again playing one of the nation’s toughest schedules, Kentucky should once again put itself in position for a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
