(Sept. 29, 2000) — The 12th-ranked University of Kentucky defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 4-2 on September 29, in the Wildcats’ first road Southeastern Conference matchup. Kentucky now leads the series 3-2.

“We are happy with the result. It was another hard-fought SEC battle, and we need to continue on this path Sunday at Aubun,” UK coach Warren Lipka.The Wildcats (9-1, 2-0 SEC) took control of the game in the first half, when Elizabeth Ramsey scored off a pass from Lauren Russell in the 35th minute. A handball in the box call during the 42nd minute allowed the Cats their first penalty kick of the season, taken by Emily Oetjen. Though unable to convert the kick, Kate Qually found an opening and shot in a loose ball.

The majority of the Wildcats’ goals have come in the second half of their contests, but the scoring was even in the halves in the game. Just three and a half minutes into the second half at the 49 minute mark, Keri Boyce took a shot that missed but set up Annie Gage, who scored from one yard out.

As the goal was scored, Alabama player Michelle Evans went down with a broken leg, delaying the match for nearly thirty minutes. This did not hinder the Cats, however, as Qually came back again to score Kentucky’s final goal of the match, off a Gage assist from 18 yards out, nailing it into the top left corner.

Alabama (4-7, 0-1 SEC) went scoreless in the first half, but found two goals in the second to make a good showing against Kentucky. Danielle Watson scored the Crimson Tide’s first goal in the 57th minute off a Melissa McGee pass. The second goal was headed in by McGee off crosses by Watson and Melissa Montgomery.

The Wildcats will next match up against Auburn, Sunday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. ET at the Auburn Soccer Complex. Kentucky leads the series between the schools, 4-2, and shutout the Tigers in their last meeting, 3-0.

Auburn is led by juniors Tammy Waine and Erika Schansberg, and sophomore Candace Cagle. The Tigers finished the 1999 season 6-13 overall and 1-8 in the SEC, while this season, Auburn is currently second in the SEC.

                1       2       FKentucky22       4Alabama0       2       2

Scoring: Ramsey, UK (Russell), 34:07; Qually, UK (Unassisted), 42:08; Gage, UK (Boyce) 48:31; Watson, UA (McGee) 56:24; Qually, UK (Gage), 65:05; McGee, UA (Watson, Montgomery), 85:44Shots: UK-28; UA-12Corner Kicks: UK-4; UA-6Fouls: UK-17; UA-14Saves: UK-2; UA-6