KU soccer and volleyball off to perfect starts

More than a half-dozen games into their seasons, the Jayhawk soccer and volleyball teams are undefeated.The soccer team, now 6-0, is ranked in the top 25 of all three major women's soccer polls and is currently ranked 9th in the country by SoccerBuzz. The Jayhawks defeated no. 7 Clemson Sept. 11 to win the 2004 Kickoff Classic in Greenville, S.C.

On the volleyball court, KU is 7-0, beating No. 25 Wisconsin and winning the Holiday Inn Jayhawk Classic Sept. 10-11.

Junior Nicole Braman scored the game-winning goal against Clemson at the 37:38 mark of the first half.

The soccer team is led offensively by returning All-America performer Caroline Smith, who comes into her junior season as the program's all-time leader in goals, points, shots and game-winning goals, as well as seniors Monica Brothers and Rachel Gilfillan, who each rank in the top five in program history in point scored.

Defensively, KU is paced by Stacy Leeper, who has collected 46 starts during her three-year career and Holly Gault, who was named preseason All-Big 12 after earning second team Freshman All-America honors by Soccerbuzz magazine in 2003. In goal, Meghan Miller enters her senior season as the all-time leader at Kansas in wins, goals-against-average and shutouts.

Josi Lima was named MVP of the 2004 Holiday Inn/Jayhawk Classic.

In volleyball, the Jayhawks return 10 letter-winners and five starters from the 2003 squad that went 22-11 overall and made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Ray Bechard and the Jayhawks also boast three All-Big 12 Preseason selections in junior middle blocker Josi Lima (First-Team), junior transfer Paula Caten (Newcomer of the Year) and opposite hitter Emily Brown (Freshman of the Year).

Because of growing attendance and multiple sellouts at volleyball matches over the past few years, the Horejsi Family Athletic Center will change from general admission to reserved seating for all matches starting with the 2004 season.

Season tickets are available for all of KU's regular-season home matches and cost $70 for adults, $56 for faculty and staff, and $35 for youth (17 and under). If available, single-match tickets may be purchased for $6 (adults) and $3 (youth). Members of the Williams Educational Fund who purchase season tickets will receive two (2) priority points per account regardless of the number of tickets purchased.

To purchase tickets for volleyball and soccer, call 800-34-HAWKS or visit kuathletics.com.