Sept. 27, 1999

Annie Gage, a sophomore forward on the UK women’s soccer team, was namedthe Southeastern Conference Player of the Week today by the SEC office. Itwas also announced Monday that UK cracked the National Soccer CoachesAssociation of America Top-25 poll for the first time since 1996.

Gage scored two goals and tallied an assist in UK’s two SEC wins lastweek. She assisted on a goal in UK’s 3-0 victory over Tennessee and scoredtwo goals, including the game-winner, as the Cats upset the 12th-rankedGeorgia Bulldogs 4-1 on Sunday. The Cats are tied for second in the SECEastern Division.

The Westerville, Ohio native has played a big part in the Cats’ currentfive-game winning streak, having scored a point in five of UK’s last sixmatches. Gage leads UK (6-2-1, 3-1 SEC) in goals scored with six and inpoints with 17. Gage’s five assists are second highest on the team.

“It’s a honor for Annie to be recognized by the SEC and she is deservingof this honor,” UK coach Warren Lipka said. “This reflects on her hard workand the success of our team.”

The NSCAA released its weekly top-25 poll today and the Cats are ranked21st-nationally in the latest poll. This is UK’s first Top-25 nationalranking since 1996 when the Cats finished the season ranked 24th with a13-6-2 record.

“We appreciate being recognized in the poll but our ultimate goal is tocontinue to get better, be able to challenge for the SEC Championship, andenter and advance in the NCAA Tournament.”

In the NSCAA Great Lakes Region Top-10 poll, the Cats have jumped fromsixth to third behind Notre Dame and Michigan.