(Oct. 26, 2000) — The University of Kentucky women’s soccer team will travel to face Butler on Friday, October 27, at the Varsity Field at Kuntz Stadium at 8 p.m. ET. The Wildcats trail in the series, 3-0 and were defeated 1-0 when the teams last met in 1997.

“The games this weekend are pivotal for the team. They will have NCAA ramifications and will determine the players’ outlook and attitude going into post-season play,” UK coach Warren Lipka said. “Butler presents numerous challenges to us both offensively and defensively. They execute very well and make few mental errors. We will have to focus and play together this weekend.”

Kentucky (13-4, 6-3 SEC) wrapped up Southeastern Conference play last week by defeating the visiting LSU Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks. The victories propelled UK to a third-place finish in the Eastern Division. The Wildcats qualified for the SEC tournament, which will be held next week in Athens, Ga.

Keri Boyce, Annie Gage, and Elizabeth Ramsey continue to lead the squad. All three have tallied more than 20 points for the season and Boyce is nearing 30. Senior Jen Reese is tied for third on Kentucky’s all-time list for games started with 81. She needs only three more starts to tie for second. Goalkeeper Beth Wells is first on UK’s all-time list for goals against average (0.94).

Butler (6-8-2, 2-2 MCC) is coming off a loss to Purdue and a tie against Wright State. Amy Morrison and Kara Bryan lead the Bulldogs in points and goalkeeper Tricia Czerniak has a goals against average of 1.50. Butler is fourth in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference.