Oct. 16, 2008
Game Notes vs. Arkansas & LSU (.pdf)
Lexington, Ky. – At one point last season, UK senior defender Tara Herold did not think that she was going to receive the starting call because of what she termed `a downfall’ in her play.
She ended up starting that game and every game since. In fact, Herold had started every game before what she perceived was a slump. The total currently stands at 79 straight starts since the Dublin, Ohio native came to Lexington in 2005. On top of that, Herold could be on her way to breaking the University of Kentucky games started record of 87.
“It is a proud moment for me because I have been starting since my freshman year,” said Herold. “I just have to keep working hard in practices to keep that starting spot.”
As is the case with most freshmen, her first few games in 2005 made her nervous, but ever since then she has played consistently and confidently. UK head coach Warren Lipka has called her very consistent, physically fit and a hard worker day in and day out in practice and games.
With only five games left in the regular season, in order for Herold to reach 87, the Wildcats (3-9-2, 1-4-1 SEC) will have to play into the SEC Tournament. In order for Kentucky to qualify for an SEC record 15th straight tournament, UK must score some points on the road in conference play this weekend at Arkansas and 17th ranked LSU.
The Cats open the weekend in Fayetteville, Ark., Friday night against the Lady Razorbacks, a team UK has met with a lot of success over recent years. Kentucky owns a 10-2-1 record against Arkansas and is currently on a 10-match unbeaten streak in the series.
Despite the lopsided record in the series, many of the matches have been close between Kentucky and Arkansas. Of the 13 matches, six were decided by one goal, while one contest (2004) finished in a tie.
Lindsay Patterson, who is tied for fifth in the SEC with six goals, leads the Arkansas offense in goals and points (13). The Lady’Back defense is anchored by goalie Britni Williams who’s 0.94 goals against average (GAA) ranks third in the league.
Following its match at Arkansas, Kentucky heads to Baton Rouge to take on the 17th ranked Tigers, another team UK has had a lot of success against, sporting an 8-1-2 record in the all-time series. However, the Cats are winless in the last three matches against the Bayou Bengals, posting a 0-1-2 mark in the last three meetings.
Malorie Rutledge is the heart and soul of the LSU offense with an SEC best 26 points on seven goals and 12 assists. Tiger goalie Mo Isom also leads the league with a 0.67 GAA.Nicola Holdsworth has caught fire of late for the Kentucky offense, netting goals in each of her last two outings. However, Laura Novikoff leads the team with five goals and 11 points.
The Wildcats and the Lady Razorbacks are scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. kick-off, while Sunday’s game in Baton Rouge will get underway at 2:00 p.m. Fans can follow all the action at www.ukathletics.com.
