Sept. 2, 2007

Final Stats

West Lafayette, Ind. - Loyola's hard-luck opening to the 2007 season continued as Kentucky's Laura Novikoff scored the match's only goal in the 85th minute to propel the Wildcats to a 1-0 victory this afternoon in the finale of the Boilermaker Challenge Cup in West Lafayette, Ind. Loyola drops to 0-2 with its second straight one-goal defeat while Kentucky moves to 1-0-1 on the season.

"Although I am disappointed with our results this weekend I am pleased with how we have played and competed," said head coach Frank Mateus. "We created enough chances today to earn a different result but we need to start converting those chances into goals."

Kentucky forced Rambler keeper Lauren Sommer into two saves in the first 15 minutes but Loyola was able to settle in with Jackie Vera putting its first attempt on goal after 17 minutes. Cynthia Morote-Ariza forced the Wildcats into a team save in the 23rd minute and the Ramblers held a slight 5-4 edge in shots in a scoreless opening 45 minutes.

Alexia Murray had the team's best chance in the 64th minute, slipping behind the UK defense before having keeper Laura Baker snuff out the chance. The game appeared headed for overtime but Novikoff snatched up a loose ball and fired home her first goal of the season to give the Wildcats the win.

Murray, who had four shots for Loyola, was named to the all-tournament team.

The Ramblers return to Rogers Park and open up the home portion of their schedule on Wednesday night (Sept. 5) against DePaul at 7 p.m.