Women’s soccer to begin SEC play Friday

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By Anthony Crawford

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No. 22 UK women’s soccer team is set to take on Ole Miss at 7:00 p.m. Friday. The team will look to start conference play off right in its first away game of the season.

UK

5-1-0

Ranking: 22

Goals scored: 15

Goals allowed: 2

Average shots per game: 14.3

Average shots on goal: 6.5

Player to watch: Zoe Swift

The junior forward has proved to be a reliable cornerstone for the Cats offense this season. Swift is tied for most goals on the season with three, but leads in total shots taken this season with 20. Swift also leads the team in shots on goal with 10. The forward has proved to be vital in testing the goalie and keeping the opponent’s backline in check with quality shots and quick runs down the flanks.

Preview:

The Cats have turned the season around after the early loss to San Diego State in the second game of the season. The Cats are rolling on a four game win streak which includes a seven goal outburst against Toledo, a win against rival Louisville, and most recently a three goal contest against Ohio.

Along with scoring this season, UK’s defense has also been impressive. The Cats defense has been a brick wall, allowing only two goals this season. The backbone of the backline is junior Alex Carter and senior Olivia Jester. Their leadership on defense has held opponents to around 6 shots per game.

The team has produced five shutouts this season thanks to the play of freshman goalkeeper Katelyn Jensen. Jensen will look to add a sixth shutout to her record in the game against Ole Miss.

Ole Miss

4-0-2

Ranking: n/a

Goals scored: 15

Goals allowed: 3

Average shots per game: 19.8

Average shots on goal: 10

Player to watch: Cece Kizer

The freshman is the engine that drives the Rebels offense. She has started every game and is the leading scorer for the team, coming into this game with six goals. Kizer is also first in shots on goal percentage for the team, while only taking the third most shots. She is coming into the game with three game winning goals so far in the season and will look to add another one against UK.

Preview:

Coming off an overtime win, the Rebels will be ready to play. This Ole Miss team has no problem getting shots off as it averages nearly 20 shots a game and likes to score in bunches with games of four and five goals scored already under its belt. Juniors Addie Forbus and Gretchen Harknett lead the team in shots taken, both have already taken over 20 shots this season. Look for the rebels to have that gunslinger’s mentality as they try upset UK in conference play.