|
|
|
Lobos Shock No. 12 Kentucky For First Win Of 2001 Longmire scores game-winner, Hammock brilliant in goal.
Oct. 1, 2001
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The University of New Mexico women's soccer team earned its first victory of 2001 and one of the biggest wins in the nine-year history of the program on Sunday afternoon as it shut down 12th-ranked Kentucky 1-0 in the final game of The Traditional Bank Invitational in Lexington, Ky. Junior midfielder Michelle Longmire scored the game-winner and first career goal 15 minutes into the second half while senior goalkeeper Shelly Hammock and an inspired Lobo defense held the Wildcats scoreless down the stretch to give first-year head coach Kit Vela her first career victory.
New Mexico (1-6-1) snapped a six-game losing streak as Vela1s high pressure
system forced Kentucky (7-2-0) into a game-breaking turnover early in the
second half. Junior midfielder Michelle Nowfel sent a crossing pass through
the box that fell between Longmire and Kentucky senior goalkeeper Beth
Wells 20 feet away from the goal. Wells came forward and attempted to clear
the ball out of the box, but the pressing Longmire deflected Wells1 kick
into the back of the net.
After sitting out for the first time since 1998 in Friday's 4-2 loss to Furman University, Hammock was brilliant in goal for Lobos on Sunday. The San Antonio, Texas native recorded saves on all 10 Kentucky shots on goal, including six in the second half, and handed the Wildcats just their fourth shutout in two seasons. Kentucky entered Sunday1s gave having won seven of its last eight matches, outscoring its previous eight opponents 20-5 on the year. The Lobos held UK1s leading scorers, senior midfielder Susie Ledrianowski and freshman forward Kathy Fulk, to just three shots combined. The duo entered the match leading the Wildcats with five and four goals, respectively. "This was just a total team effort," said Vela. "Our freshmen stood strong and we finally played as team for 90 full minutes. We maintained our effort throughout the entire game and now this team knows what it takes to win." After the match, New Mexico freshmen midfielders Rachael Addison, Laura Hafner and freshman defender Deidre Devault were named to the 2001 Traditional Bank Invitational All-Tournament Team. The high-flying Lobos return to action next week when they travel north to face Colorado College on Oct. 5 before returning home for the "Stuff The Stadium" game against Washington State University at noon on Sunday, Oct. 7. |
|
