The Kentucky women’s soccer team dominated West Georgia 7-0 on Senior Day Sunday at Bell Soccer Complex.
Seniors Thalia Morisi, Skye Leach, and Catherine Rapp combined for three goals and two assists to lead the Cats to victory.
Here are game highlights and a recap from UK Athletics:
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Behind a seven-goal performance on Senior Day, Kentucky (2-0-0) was able to complete an undefeated opening weekend of play, shutting out West Georgia on Sunday afternoon. Three senior players—Thalia Morisi, Skye Leach, and Catherine Rapp—set the tone on the afternoon, combining for three goals and two assists to push their team to victory.
The offensive output tied for the sixth-most goals scored in a match in program history, matching the 2015 squad’s performance against Toledo. Six different Wildcats scored on Sunday, including four players notching their first tally in the Blue and White. Additionally, Kentucky extended its unbeaten streak at home to 16 matches and is now 18-1-6 at the Bell since the start of 2023.
It did not take long for the Cats to start the scoring, as Morisi began her senior day with her second goal in as many matches. The Massapequa Park, N.Y. native once again found the ball at her feet thanks to an assist from Catherine Rapp, burying the ball through the mitts of the West Georgia keeper and into the back of the net with only 55 seconds having elapsed from the clock.
In the fourth minute, an Anna Sikorski corner kick was controlled beautifully by Leach at the far post, allowing the senior to find the right corner of the goal mouth. Playing in just her second game at Kentucky, the goal marked the first for Leach in her Wildcat career.
In the 17th minute, Tanner Strickland was able to draw a penalty, allowing Rapp to step to the spot and score her first goal at Kentucky. Ultimately, the Evergreen, Colorado finished her Senior Day with a four-point performance, tallying a goal and two assists.
Next on the scoresheet was Alexis Tylenda, who added the Wildcats’ fourth goal in the 18th minute. Strickland was able to take the ball into the box from the far wing, passing the ball to Rapp who laid it for Tylenda at the mouth of goal, allowing the sophomore to tap in the score.
Tylenda was not done yet, as the Pittsburgh native won the ball just past midfield in the 30th minute, started a breakaway, and beat the goalkeeper one-on-one to secure the brace. Tylenda now leads the Wildcats with three goals and seven points through two matches this season.
The Wildcats would close the first half with a 6-0 lead thanks to the first collegiate goal of Ava Plezia’s career in the 36th minute. Marilia Nieves-Melchor won the ball outside the box and passed to a wide-open Plezia, who delivered a right-footed strike to the top of the net and in. The assist was also the first of Nieves-Melchor’s collegiate career.
The second half only saw one goal scored, as Gianna Tuzzolino placed the ball in the net in the 73rd minute. A deflection saw the ball land at the sophomore’s feet, allowing her to send a half-volley into the upper left corner. The goal was the first of the East Amherst, N.Y. native’s career.
Overall, Kentucky outshot the Wolves 28-0 and controlled 70 percent of the possession. Through two matches, the Wildcats have only allowed one shot to their opponents.
The Wildcats will continue their season-opening nine-match homestand on Thursday, August 21, welcoming ETSU to the Bell for a 7:30 p.m. ET contest on the SEC Network +. Admission to all 2025 Kentucky Soccer regular season home matches will be free to the public.
For the latest on UK Women’s Soccer, follow the Wildcats on Facebook, Instagram, X and at UKathletics.com.
