The University of Kentucky women’s soccer team has been ranked 15th in the nation by Soccer Buzz. The Cats moved up a notch from the final ranking of 16th at the end of last season. Competing in the Great Lakes Region, Kentucky held steady with last season’s regional rank of second.

“It is always nice to see that we are being recognized on a national level by other coaches and our peers. This is a good place to start and we will build upon this foundation with the combination of a tough schedule and a competitive conference,” said Head Coach Warren Lipka.

Soccer Buzz picked North Carolina to lead the nation, an honor the Tar Heels held at the end of last season as national champions. Ranked second and third are Penn State and Nebraska, respectively, followed by Notre Dame and Santa Clara. SEC foe Florida is ranked seventh overall and is the only other conference school joining the Cats in the Top 25.

Notre Dame leads the Great Lakes Region, again keeping the same ranking as the end of last season. Florida, like Kentucky, ranks second in its region (Southeast), which is led by North Carolina. Rounding out the SEC schools in the regional rankings are Ole Miss (ninth in the Central Region) and South Carolina (ninth in the Southeast Region).

The Cats open their season with an exhibition game against Purdue on Sunday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. at the UK Soccer Complex.