Dolinsky Powers Jayhawks to 1-0 Win on Senior Day
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Junior Monica Dolinsky’s goal off a free kick from 27 yards out in the first half propelled the Kansas soccer team to a 1-0 triumph over Baylor Sunday afternoon at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.
The win moves Kansas to 11-6-1 overall and 4-4-1 in the Big 12, while the Bears fall to 5-11-2 and 1-7-1 in the conference. By virtue of their four conference win, the Jayhawks clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship. Pending outcomes next weekend, KU will be the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the tournament.
Sunday, Dolinsky provided all the offense in less than ideal playing conditions. Her shot off a direct free kick with a 30 mph wind at her back found the top near corner of the net in the eighth minute to give the Jayhawks a 1-0 lead. The goal was Dolinsky’s eighth of the season, giving her the team lead.
Following the goal, the Kansas defense put the clamps down on its Big 12 rival, earning its third shutout in the last four matches. The Jayhawks held Baylor to just 10 shots in the match, including just one on net. KU goalkeeper Julie Hanley made the save off a Bethany Johnson shot in the 17th minute to earn her fifth shutout of the season.
Kansas had several opportunities to add to its lead, but could not. The Jayhawks nearly stretched the lead to 2-0 on a free kick by Lauren Jackson in the 77th minute that sailed over the keeper and into the net, however KU was called for a foul in the box on the play – negating the goal.
KU outshot the visitors, 17-10, but took just three shots in the second half going against the 30 mph wind. Senior Missy Geha led the Jayhawks with four shots, including two shots on goal, while Jessica Bush and Dolinsky each chipped in with three.
Baylor goalkeeper Gianna Quintana made eight saves to keep the Bears within striking distance throughout the match.
Following the match, the Jayhawks honored its six-member senior class with a short ceremony. Seniors Stephanie Baugh, Bush, Geha, Kristin Graves, Jenny Murtaugh and Sara Rogers all participated in their final match at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.
The 1-0 win marks KU’s sixth-straight win over Baylor in Lawrence, dating back to the 1996 season. Each of the last three meetings have been decided by 1-0 scores.
KU will look to close out the regular season on a positive note when it travels to Border Showdown rival Missouri for a 6:30 p.m. match Friday in Columbia, Mo.
