By Kelsey Mattingly

[email protected]

UK women’s soccer will look to have its first win in six games on Thursday as the team takes on Louisiana State University in an attempt to lock down another conference win.

UK

Record: 9-5-4

Goals scored: 30

Goals allowed: 17

Player to watch: Payton Atkins

Freshman centerback Payton Atkins was a key factor in UK’s match against Tennessee in her second career start. She scored her first goal this season nine minutes into the game, giving the team the 1-0 lead. Atkins has played in 16 of UK’s 18 games. If Atkins can keep up her confidence streak, she should be an asset to her team’s attempt at a win over LSU.

Preview

The Cats had an exciting match against Tennessee, but it ended in a tie. The attempt at a conference win wasn’t in vain, earning the team another conference point to boost them to 12. Now they will have to battle No. 7 LSU in conference play at home as they honor UK’s eight seniors to celebrate its last match in Lexington. Senior night could motivate the team as they leave it all on the field to lock in a win before they head to Orange Beach, Ala., for SEC Tournament play.

LSU

Record: 10-4-4

Goals scored: 33

Goals allowed: 20

Player to watch: Catalina Rubiano

Senior goalkeeper Catalina Rubiano will be a player the Cats need to be prepared for in this Thursday’s match. Rubiano was named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week last Monday for her fifth clean sheet of the season against Arkansas. Rubiano blocked all six shots on target during the match and helped lead the team to victory. LSU will rely heavily on her to defend UK’s threatening offense on their home field. Rubiano has showed time and again she can be the clutch player her team needs, and this is her last time to shine in the regular season.

Preview

Just like the Cats, LSU’s last match ended in a draw that was not allotted extra time following the 90 minute mark due to flooding in Baton Rouge. The Tigers have two more conference wins than UK and will look to seal one final win against the Cats before the start of the SEC Tournament. Their shot attempts outnumber many opponents, so if the Tigers don’t get discouraged at missed attempts and keep going for goals, their chance of coming out victorious increases. LSU will also look to utilize its goalie, something UK has had issues with in past games, in an attempt to outshine the Cats on senior night.