Kentucky women's soccer open season against Texas

tough start helps UK prepare for SEC

Special to the Herald-Leader

The Kentucky women's soccer team faces a ranked opponent at 7 p.m. Thursday when it plays host to the No.8 Texas Longhorns (1-0-0) in the season opener.

The match represents the first of four contests against Top 20 opponents in UK's first five matches. Following a trip to Cincinnati next week, the Cats will take on No. 16 Duke, No. 2 North Carolina and No. 11 West Virginia.

Thursday
Texas at Kentucky
When: 7 p.m.

"This year, we're going out there to see how the first games prepare us for the SEC because anyone who knows the Southeastern Conference in any sport, knows it's a grind day in and day out," Coach Warren Lipka said. "The games are going to be difficult, and we need to get these ladies prepared to play at that sort of level every time they step on the field."

UK and Texas have never met in soccer. Kentucky is 1-3-1 against the Big 12.

The Wildcats will counter a Texas attack with a defensive back line that returns all four starters for the second straight season, in addition to sophomore goalie Sydney Hiance.