Sept. 29, 2008

Lexington, Ky. – Sophomore goalie Sydney Hiance has been named this week’s Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the league office this afternoon.

Hiance, a native of Ft. Thomas, Ky., posted back-to-back shutouts for the Wildcats over the weekend, helping UK to a 0-0 tie in UK’s season opener against Auburn Friday night, and a 2-0 win over Alabama on Sunday.

“This is a great honor for Sydney and we’re anxious for her to continue with her solid play,” said head coach Warren Lipka. “Everything we did in the preseason and pre-conference schedule is beginning to come together and we’re beginning to see the fruits of our labor.”

Hiance, who moved to fifth on UK’s all-time shutout list with eight, currently leads the SEC with a 0.00 goals against average (GAA) in league games.

The award is the third of her young collegiate career and the first for the Wildcats this season. It is the 16th time a UK player has received any sort of SEC player of the week honor.

The Wildcats continue conference play this weekend, hosting South Carolina on Friday and the 13th ranked Florida Gators on Sunday. Sunday’s match against the Gators will be televised on FSN.