LaBelle injury brings frosh into spotlight for Wildcats
By Rob Herbst
Assistant Sports Editor
UK women's soccer freshman Jennifer McMaster thought she would get accustomed to NCAA soccer before feeling the pressure as a starter. It would have been nice to ease her into the situation.
That's a nice fantasy, but reality sets in this Sunday.Because of a knee injury to Kim LaBelle, UK's career leader in points, McMaster's first collegiate game will be her first ever start as the Cats take on North Carolina-Greensboro at Cage Field Sunday at 1 p.m.
The forward from St. Louis is already feeling the pressure.
"There's so much pressure, I mean coming in as a freshman and starting the first game," McMaster said.
"I don't think I'll be able to feel anything in my body. I'll be so nervous, but it'll be exciting."
McMaster is no ordinary freshman. The graduate of Nerinx Hall High School was a first-team All-State, State Tournament MVP and a Parade All-American.
If what she has done in practice so far is an indication of her ability, the Cats will be fine. UK head coach Warren Lipka just wants McMaster to remain confident.
"She's stepped in and she's done a great job," Lipka said. "As a first-year player, she's playing with a lot of confidence and I don't want her to lose that just because we're going into a match on Sunday."
Not only does McMaster have to worry about making an impression on the soccer field, but she also has typical freshman worries. Just like other freshmen on campus, the transition from high school to college is not simple.
"Oh God, it's gonna be a big transition because I came from a small high school," McMaster said.
"I had like 130 in my class so going from 130 in my graduating class to probably more than 130 in my math class here..."
The freshman who came to UK because "everything here is awesome," must also get used to more diverse students in her class. Nerinx Hall was an all-girls Catholic high school.
"That's gonna be a big transition too - guys in my classes," McMaster said.
McMaster's first test on the field is no small pop quiz. The Cats who are ranked 16th in the nation according to Soccer America will take on a UNC-Greensboro team who just missed making the NCAA Tournament last year.
While UNC-Greensboro may not be a high-profile team in a big conference, last year's 13-5 record and perfect conference record is nothing to laugh at. The Spartans have Lipka's admiration.
"I have nothing but respect for their program," Lipka said. "They have everything to come in and gain by playing well against us."
But the Cats, who went 17-7 last year, have had extra time to prepare for UNC-Greensboro. In most preseasons, UK had six days of practice, this season the Cats were able to have 12 days of practice. The extra time has UK hungry for the Spartans.
"It's like right now if you ask anybody, they're tired of being out here (at practice), tired of kicking each other," Lipka said. "They're ready to play and we'll just have to wait and see."
Photo: OUT OF COMMISSION Kim LaBelle will be sidelined for UK's season-opener Sunday with a knee injury. Jennifer McMaster will take her place. File photo
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