Excitement Builds in Lexington as Wildcats Gear Up for NCAA Tournament Action!
Starkville, Mississippi Awaits!
The vibrant city of Lexington is buzzing with anticipation as the No. 5-seeded Kentucky Wildcats women’s soccer team prepares for a thrilling matchup against the No. 4-seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The action kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT).
Last Minute Heroics Propel the Wildcats
The Wildcats (11-4-5, 3-3-4) are entering this crucial second-round NCAA tournament clash after a dramatic win over West Virginia. After a nail-biting 110 minutes of play that ended in a 1-1 draw, the Wildcats shone bright in the penalty shootout, securing a 4-2 victory. It was a roller-coaster ride for fans, as the Mountaineers initially took the lead before Maddie Kemp scored her fifth goal of the season to level the match just three minutes later. In the shootout, goalkeeper Marz Josephson made two crucial saves, helping the Wildcats go a perfect four for four from the penalty mark. This hard-fought win marks the Wildcats’ first NCAA tournament victory in ten years.
Notre Dame: A Tough Opponent
The Fighting Irish (12-3-4, 5-1-4) are coming off an impressive 5-1 victory against Milwaukee in their opening match of the tournament. Notre Dame’s dynamic attack featured five different goal scorers, showcasing their depth and talent on the pitch. A standout for them has been freshman Izzy Engle, who has been a revelation this season with 17 goals, racking up 35 points.
A History of Challenges
This matchup poses a challenge for the Wildcats, who have yet to win against the Fighting Irish in their lone previous encounter, falling 9-0. However, Kentucky is ready to turn the tables this time around. The Wildcats aim to build on their improving performance this season and make a statement in the tournament.
The Road Ahead
The winner of this match will move on to face the winner of the No. 1-seed Mississippi State vs. Washington game in the third round of the NCAA tournament. Victory in this tournament is no small feat, but the Wildcats have shown they have the heart and determination to go all the way!
