Makala Woods’ hat trick fuels No. 21 Kentucky women’s soccer (11-3-4, 3-3-4 SEC) in 4-1 victory over Tennessee (7-5-4, 2-4-2 SEC).

The Cats’ offense started out hot with a goal in the fifth minute by Sophia Mattice to take an early 1-0 lead.

Later in the half, Makala Woods knocked in a goal in the 19th minute to extend the lead to 2-0.

Woods did not stop there though, as she found the net again in the 40th minute to extend the Cats’ lead to 3-0.

“We created chances,” Kentucky Head Coach Troy Fabiano said. “We finally finished our chances.”

Woods continued to dominate in the second half as she scored another goal in the 57th minute, which gave her a hat trick and extended the Wildcats lead to 4-0.

“She played really well,” Fabiano said about Woods.

The Cats’ offense finally cooled off after Woods’ third goal, but their defense remained solid and did not give up any goals to Tennessee, which kept the score at 4-0 for the rest of the match.

“I just think we knew what was on the line,” Woods said. “I think we all want another game with each other, and I think you could see that from how we played.”

The Cats will be back in action on Saturday, Nov. 3, as they begin SEC tournament play in Pensacola, Florida with their opponent and seed to be determined.