Kentucky women’s soccer (4-0-0) continued its unbeaten streak by overpowering Jacksonville State (2-1-0) with a 4-1 victory at the Bell Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon. The Wildcats showcased their offensive prowess, led by a brace from Maddie Kemp and goals from Mia Bookhard and Makala Woods.
The Wildcats’ offense was relentless, outshooting the Gamecocks 22-6, with 12 of those shots on target compared to just two for the visitors. Kentucky also dominated in corner kicks, earning seven to Jacksonville’s one. With their aggressive attack, the Wildcats achieved their highest goal-scoring output of the season, finding the back of the net four times against Gamecock goalkeeper Poppy Bastock.
Makala Woods opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Thalia Morisi delivered a perfectly timed through ball down the center of the pitch, splitting the defense. Woods collected the ball in the box, skillfully maneuvered past Bastock, and calmly slotted it into the open goal. This marked Woods’ second goal of the season and Morisi’s first assist as a Wildcat.
Kentucky doubled its lead in the 40th minute when Mia Bookhard capitalized on sustained team pressure in Jacksonville State’s half. After a scramble in the box, the ball landed at Bookhard’s feet, and she expertly side-footed it into the far right corner for a 2-0 lead. It was Bookhard’s first goal of the season and the 10th of her career.
Just before halftime, the Wildcats had a chance to extend their lead further after earning a penalty kick in the 45th minute. However, Bastock saved the effort, and Kentucky took a 2-0 lead into the break.
Undeterred by the missed opportunity, Kentucky was awarded another penalty kick just five minutes into the second half after Makala Woods was brought down in the box. This time, Maddie Kemp stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, marking her first goal in a UK uniform.
Jacksonville State fought back, narrowing the scoreline to 3-1 in the 74th minute with a goal from Allison Sibley. However, the Wildcats quickly responded, adding a fourth goal. Morisi once again played a key role, threading a pass through the defense to find Kemp in space on the right side of the goal. Kemp patiently positioned herself before placing the ball into the left-side netting, securing the victory for Kentucky.
With this win, Kentucky remains undefeated and now prepares for its first road game of the season. The Wildcats will travel to face Big Ten member Illinois on Sunday, September 1st, at 3 p.m. ET, with the match available on BIG10+.
