NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Megan Jones’ goal in the 21st minute proved to be enough for Kentucky in a 1-0 win over Vanderbilt Friday night at the VU Soccer Complex.
The Wildcats (10-6-3, 3-6-1 SEC) defeated the Commodores (6-9-3, 3-5-2 SEC) for the second straight year and kept alive their Southeastern Conference tournament hopes. Both teams are vying for the final spot in the eight team field. Vanderbilt needs to defeat Florida on Sunday to get in. A loss or tie to the Gators means that Kentucky would get in and defend its tournament crown.
Kentucky were the aggressors early in the first half and scored when Jones took a rebound of her own deflected shot and scored from 22 yards out into the high right hand corner of the net. They held a 8-3 shot advantage in the first half.
“It was an adrenaline filled game for both teams, and Kentucky showed up to play in the first half. I can’t make any excuses for it,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Coveleskie. “We made our own bed at halftime going down 1-0, and Kentucky did everything they needed to do to win that game today.”
The Commodores controlled the second half, holding a 19-1 shot advantage, but could not capitalize on their opportunities. The last two significant scoring chances came by Amy Wilcox in the 26th minute on a shot that sailed just high and a shot by Molly Kinsella in the 18th minute.
Sarah Dennis led all VU players with six shots on the night with Molly Kinsella chipping in with four of her own.
Five seniors played their finale home game tonight and were recognized prior to the game: Amy Baumann, Sarah Dennis, Brette Healy, Meredith Kohn and Audrey Nonemaker.
“We started the game with five seniors on the field and ended it with five on the field,” said Coveleskie. “I wanted to give them the opportunity to win this game. I felt like they deserved that after four hard fought years, and I am proud of all their efforts. They dug as deep as they could to help us win today.”
The Commodores will close out the regular season against the Gators on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. CT.
“It is a really quick turnaround to play against such a great team as Florida that has an opportunity to win the conference championship on Senior Day,” Coveleskie added. “We need to regroup, and I need to get the team to believe that there is still a chance to get to Orange Beach and fight as hard as we can. If we fight like we did in the second half tonight, then I think we can put up a good battle.”
