Williams, KU Defense Downs Creighton, 3-0

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas freshman Ashley Williams scored a pair of goals and added an assist, while KU’s defense held visiting Creighton to just four shots to earn its third-straight shutout as the Jayhawks blanked the Bluejays, 3-0 on a rainy day at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex Friday.

While the playing conditions were very soggy for most of the match, Kansas earned its third-straight victory to improve to 4-1 on the year, while the Jays fell to 1-3-1.

KU took an early lead on a fourth-minute goal by Williams and then made it stand up for a majority of the day. The Jayhawk defense was rock-solid for the third-straight match as senior goalkeeper Kat Liebetrau needed to make just one save to notch her 11th career shutout.

The Jayhawks’ three-straight shutouts is the longest scoreless streak since the 2009 season, when KU blanked Colorado College, San Diego and South Dakota State in succession.

Williams, the team’s leading scorer, tallied two goals in the contest, including the game-winner in the fourth minute. Following a Creighton foul 35 yards from the goal, Williams redirected the ensuing free kick past goalkeeper Katie Jo Swanson from the middle of the box giving KU a 1-0 lead. Senior Amy Grow was credited with the assist on the play.

Williams then helped the Jayhawks add to their last early in the second half when she found Caroline Kastor with a cross from the far side of the box that Kastor tapped in for her third goal of the season.

Not to be outdone, Williams sent her fourth goal of the year into the back of the net off a cross from the near side of the box by Nicole Chrisopulous in the 86th minute. The goal proved to be the final exclamation point on Williams’ afternoon as she became the first Jayhawk with five points in a match since Ingrid Vidal had two goals and an assist against Oral Roberts on Sept. 25 of last season.

Rain fell throughout the match, including a fairly heavy downpour in the second half. However, KU still managed to generate a potent offensive attack.

KU outshot the Bluejays, 26-4, including 17-2 in the opening half. The score may have ended up more lopsided if not for 10 saves by Swanson, Creighton’s senior goalkeeper who thwarted several good scoring opportunities.

Kastor led a very balanced offensive attack for KU, collecting six shots, while senior Whitney Berry and Williams had five a piece.

KU has outscored its opposition this season, 10-3, including 7-0 in its last three matches.

The Jayhawks will look to continue its hot streak Sunday with a 1 p.m. match against Arizona State at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. Fans that cannot make it out to the pitch can tune in on AT&T Jayhawk All-Access for live audio and video coverage. Fans can also follow the action via Twitter at KU_Soccer.

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