After scoring a combined 10 goals in their last two games, the Racers had a lot of momentum going into their match with the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington on Sept. 5.

The first half ended very quietly as it was 0-0 despite the Wildcats attempting 11 shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Griselda Revelorio made three saves. The Racers only had one shot in the half which was taken by freshman forward Breece Bass 12 minutes after she subbed on for freshman Abbey MacDonald.

Head Coach Matt Lodge said his team “were a little under the cosh,” or under pressure, in the first half.

The Racers wasted no time in the second half, with defender Megan Wilson firing a shot that was blocked by a Wildcat defender for a Murray State corner heading into the 50th minute. The Wildcats would attempt two shots of their own in the 52nd and 55th minutes, both saved by Revelorio.

Murray State played better in the second half and looked as if they would draw with their undefeated SEC opponent until the 66th minute.

Wildcat senior forward Makala Woods passed the ball to freshman forward Anna Sikorski who rifled a shot from just inside the left part of the penalty area with her left foot, off of the right goal post and in the net to give Kentucky the 1-0 lead.

The Wildcats attempted four more shots after their goal, and the Racers wouldn’t get another shot opportunity for the rest of the game as time expired.

Lodge thought his team was the better of the two through the first 15 minutes of the second half and that his team was unlucky not to score a goal, but said “a bit of tired legs cost us a goal.”

“I’m so proud of them,” Lodge said. “Obviously, you can ask them to win but you can’t ask any more in the effort. They executed the game plan perfectly. But, I think we’ll bounce back and we’re in a great spot.”

Murray State’s next match is at home against the Jackson State Tigers at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13.