Women’s soccer breaks out in 3-0 win

By Alex Mackey

The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles fell victim to only the second multiple goal game of the season from the UK women’s soccer team on Sunday at the UK soccer complex.

Although the field was sloppy and wet, the Cats played through the elements as they defeated Tennessee Tech. In the process, UK ended its five-game scoring drought in a 3-0 victory.

The Cats had struggled to score goals this season, and hadn’t scored since an Aug. 29 victory over Louisville. But UK scored in the 10th minute, and the rout was on.

The Cats matched their season total of goals in one game. UK head coach Jon Lipsitz said the team worked on its offense in practice.

“We’ve been waiting and looking for someone to do that,” Lipsitz said.

Freshman forward Kristen Robinson helped pull the Cats out of a scoring slump, first with an assist to senior forward Stefani Kildare, and then later with a goal of her own.

The Cats seemed to be on the defensive side of the ball for most of the first half, but they matched Tennessee Tech shot for shot, each taking six shots on goal.

Sophomore defender/midfielder Jenna Goblirsch kicked in her second goal of the season to give the Cats some insurance late in the game.

Senior goalie Sydney Hiance said the Cats made a lot of progress in their win.

“Today was a big turning point in the season,” she said.

Hiance said it was a great feeling to have offensive support in the game. Hiance said she had been trying her best to keep the team afloat as it went through it’s scoring drought.

Late in the game, Lipsitz pulled senior forward Katie Fahey. Lipsitz declined to comment on Fahey’s situation, but said he expects his players to stay in line.

“We’re very clear on the demands we put on our players and when someone steps out we have to bring them back in,” Lipsitz said.

Hiance said the win gives the team momentum as it heads into its Southeastern Conference opener on Friday against Florida. Robinson said the team finally saw its hard work from practice pay off. “Today we played really, really hard and we enjoyed ourselves,” Robinson said. “We’re more confident.”