Oct. 21, 2009
Kentucky Game Notes
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Ole Miss Notes
LEXINGTON, KY – Thursday night will mark the end of an era for the UK women’s soccer team, as they celebrate Senior Night while hosting the Ole Miss Rebels (10-3-2, 4-1-2), currently one of the hottest teams in the league.
UK seniors Katie Fahey, Julie Hull, Stefani Kildare and Ashley Stack will be playing their final game on the UK Soccer pitch. Together they combined to win the 2006 SEC Tournament Championship, appearing in the league’s postseason tournament in two of the last three years, while also making an appearance in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.
“It’s a special night for us, because it’s a chance for the university, athletics department and fans to honor four players that have worked so hard and given so much of themselves for this program,” said UK head coach Jon Lipsitz. “It’s always bittersweet, yet special when you have these moments. One of the things we’ve talked about a lot, is that the job of leaders is to serve those that are younger and teach them about the program. I’m excited to continue to watch our four seniors show their passion and dedication to this program.”
Ole Miss enters the match undefeated in their last five matches, the hottest team in the league. The Rebels are ranked in various polls, including No. 17 in the Soccer America poll, the highest ranking in program history.
“It’s another week at home and it’s another team with their highest ranking,” said Lipsitz. “Ole Miss comes in here with their highest national ranking ever, which seems to be the story of our season. It seems like every time we’re home, somebody is blowing the lights out on the national poll and then we get a hold of them. It’s exciting for us, they’re a tremendous team; they’re well coached, well organized and they’re at a peak in their history. At the same time, while we respect them, we’re not giving in to anybody. We have a renewed confidence. I think it will be a great match that comes down to one moment. Just like almost every SEC game, it comes down to one moment that defines it and we’ll be prepared for that moment.”
UK enters the match off a crucial victory at Auburn on Sunday, which kept the Wildcats very much in the race for the SEC Tournament. Kentucky enters the final full weekend of play in the conference in 10th place, only one point from eighth and two points from seventh. Kentucky closes out the season with road matches at Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.
The Wildcats, whose defense currently ranks 34th nationally with a 0.71 goals-against-average, have their work cut out for them taking on an Ole Miss offense that ranks 18th in the country in scoring.
Kickoff between the two schools is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Senior Night festivities will take place prior to kickoff. The event will be the final opportunity for UK students to obtain a “MEMBER OF THE BIG BLUE NATION” wristband which will admit them to the student only men’s basketball practice. The first 500 UK students will receive a wristband (must show valid UK student ID). Admission is free for UK students.
