Coming into The Bell on Thursday night, the UK women’s soccer team was seeking their first victory of the season against Eastern Kentucky and got it by defeating the Colonels 3-1.

The Cats came out of the locker room with tons of life at the start of the match. Sophomore midfielder Foster Ignoffo scored her first career goal in the 13th minute. This was the first time so far this season that the Cats have lead in the first half of a game.

The overall vibe and tempo of the first half seemed much more controlled on UK’s side. The Cats took seven shots in the first half, and four of them were on goal.

It didn’t take long into the second half for the Cats to add to their lead. The second goal of the game came from senior forward Tanya Samarzich with a double assist from Katy Keen and Eva Mitchell in the 50th minute.

Samarzich didn’t keep quiet after her first scored goal, as she scored again in the 68th minute after an assist from freshman midfielder, Miranda Jimenez.

“I’m glad I was able to finish (the second goal of the game), and put it back in the net, but without my teammates passing me perfect balls that wouldn’t have happened,” Samarzich said.

EKU tried to spark a rally in the 83rd minute with a goal by forward Jordan Foster, making the score 3-1, but UK quickly made adjustments and stopped the Colonel’s momentum.

After getting the first win of the season, Samarzich is already looking ahead to Sunday afternoon’s match against Wyoming.

“I think there’s still a little bit more we could do better as a team but I think with Ian (Carry) being head coach he’ll put us in the right spot to win on Sunday,” Samarzich said.

The win is also Coach Carry’s first career victory since being promoted to head coach of the women’s soccer program.

The Cats look to add another win to their record on Sunday afternoon as they finish up the weekend with another home game against Wyoming at The Bell.