By: Alex Risen

The UK women’s soccer team capped off their non-conference schedule with a 4-0 victory over Cleveland State University on Sunday at UK’s Soccer Complex. The Cats (2-5-1) had a balanced attack, with four different players finding the back of the net.

“Our focus today was to play half by half,” said UK head coach Warren Lipka. “We put together a complete 90 minutes. We created opportunities and we converted on those opportunities. It was a good way to end the non-conference schedule and now we just need to rest up for the start of SEC play next weekend.”

The Cats struck early on the Vikings (4-5-0) as junior Katie Fahey scored in the third minute, putting the ball in the lower right corner of the net.

“I’m really excited about the goal. It was my first of the season and helped us get an important win today,” Fahey said. “We needed a good win before SEC play to boost our confidence before conference play starts on Friday.”

Senior Nicola Holdsworth tacked on a second goal in the first half for the Cats in the ninth minute. Holdswoth capitalized off a Kelly Miller pass, allowing Holdsworth the place the shot to the left of Cleveland State’s goalie Kelly Zinkiewich.

Sophomore Laura Novikoff added her fifth goal of the season seven minutes into the second half after junior Ashley Stack placed a centering pass to Novikoff five-yards in front of the Vikings goal. Novikoff was able to settle the ball and fire a shot inside the left post to push the Cats lead to 3-0.

“I felt great about the goal,” Novikoff said. “We had four goals by four different people today and hopefully we can keep this going into SEC play. Our defenders had a great game today too. Sometimes they’re shaky but they played perfect today with the shutout.”

The Cats dominated the game in all aspects of the match, out-shooting the Vikings 24-4 and gaining eight corners compared to none for Cleveland State. It was the second shutout of the year for the Cats.

Sophomore Giuleana Lopez capped off the scoring for the Cats with 20 minutes left in the match. It was her first goal since Nov. 1, 2006. Lopez stretched out and booted the ball with her left foot past a diving Saunders to the right, virtually ending any chance of a Cleveland State comeback.

Lopez said she contained her excitement after recording her first goal since coming back from knee surgery. Lopez missed last year with an injured knee.

“It broke the ice,” Lopez said. “We’re getting our confidence back. I’m getting my confidence back. I’ve been struggling and it felt great to get that goal. I just had to contain my celebration because we were up 4-0. I’m excited for conference play and ready to beat anyone.”