Oct. 30, 2008

Game Notes vs. Vanderbilt (.pdf)

Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s soccer team will say good-bye to four seniors Friday night, as the Wildcats host the Vanderbilt Commodores on Senior Night at the UK Soccer Complex.

Tara Herold, Nicola Holdsworth, Kate Hughes and Kristin Kover will take their final bow at the UK Soccer Complex, completing careers that combined to win the 2006 SEC Tournament Championship, while making three SEC Tournament appearances, as well as an appearance in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.

All four have left their mark in UK soccer history. Tara Herold has started every match since coming to Lexington in 2005, a streak totaling 83 consecutive starts. Her next start will tie her for third on the UK’s all-time start list. Nicola Holdsworth had a career match in UK’s last home outing against Mississippi State, recording her first career multi-goal game, including the golden goal in overtime. Kate Hughes recorded the fourth hat-trick in UK women’s soccer history in her freshman season and has gone on to play in 82 of 83 possible matches. Her 84th will tie her for fifth all-time in UK soccer history. Kristin Kover, who saw her senior season cut short after sustaining a broken foot against Florida, led the Wildcats to a win over her home state Ohio State Buckeyes scoring the game-winning goal.

Together, the seniors will look to end their careers on a high note, with a win over the Commodores (9-7-2, 3-6-1 SEC). Kentucky (4-12-2, 2-7-2) has compiled a 10-11-0 all-time mark against Vanderbilt, and has won seven of the last eight in the series.

UK goalies have had quite a bit of success against the Commodores over the past few years, allowing only two goals in the past six years. Freshman goalie Laura Burton has received the call for Kentucky in the last three matches, collecting her first collegiate win against Mississippi State.

Sophomore Laura Novikoff leads the Wildcats offensively with 13 points on six goals, also a team high, and an assist. Holdsworth isn’t far behind with 12 points on five goals and two assists.

Vanderbilt is led by Molly Kinsella who has amassed 20 points on eight goals and four assists.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. with Senior Night ceremonies set to begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the match.