 "Photo: Shaun Stewart")
Kelly Wilson earned yet another spot on top of the Longhorn record books.
After passing teammate Kelly McDonald for the all-time lead in points scored earlier this season, Wilson moved by former teammate Kati McBain for the lead in assists. Wilson assisted the first Longhorn goal against Oklahoma State on Sunday and then dished out another for the third goal. Even though she doesn't believe her record will last long, Wilson is thankful for where she is right now.
"It's an honor in itself to be in the books with Kati," Wilson said. "She was such a great player, and one that I looked up to when I first got here."
As of Tuesday, Wilson is 18th in the nation in scoring with 24 points. The senior forward has posted eight goals to go along with eight assists and has scored at least one point in seven of the 11 contests this year.
Teter now a defender
With less than half of the regular season remaining, Texas head coach Chris Petrucelli has given his team a makeover. Six Texas starters against Oklahoma State were not on the field for the season's opening kickoff. Among the newcomers are Christy Perkins and Leslie Imber. The two freshmen earned starting spots in the Longhorns' weekend set against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The duo helped the team post two victories, while allowing only one goal.
The other defensive change for the Longhorns involves Kristen Teter. Teter has seen every position except goalie during her four seasons at Texas, and her move to defense completes the cycle. During her sophomore year Teter accumulated a career-best 15 points while playing forward and midfield. Although she played six games at defense last year, there will still be a little bit of adjusting.
"There's definitely a different mindset," Teter said. "There's a lot more thinking involved."
One of the best qualities Teter brings to the defense is a presence in the air. The 5-foot-9-inch senior displayed her ability to win free balls for the Longhorns this past weekend, breaking up multiple crosses into the center of the penalty box.
"Teter has played so well this season," Petrucelli said. "We wanted to find more ways to keep her on the field. She really settles us down."
Hall wins defensive Big 12 honor
Texas goal keeper Dana Hall received the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honor this week. Hall produced two Texas victories over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, including one shutout and a one-goal performance. She posted a season-high seven saves against the Sooners, along with two game-saving stops in the final seconds and one more against the Cowgirls.
The award is the second of Hall's career and is the second weekly honor received by a Longhorn this season. Kelsey Carpenter was named conference Newcomer of the Week earlier this year.
Injuries
A physically demanding sport like soccer usually yields an injury or two throughout the course of a season. The Longhorns have had their fair share of bumps and bruises so far but appear to be getting healthy once again.
Kelly McDonald, the Longhorns' leading scorer a year ago, has been bothered by nagging knee injuries all season long. Her playing time has been limited recently due to the discomfort. But McDonald looked impressive on the front line this past weekend. She posted her second goal of the year and saw scoring chances, which have been rare this season. Alex Gagarin and Charisse Co have also been sitting out with injuries. Gagarin received clearance to play this week after not participating during the beginning of the season. Co is day-to-day after getting a concussion during the Tech game two weeks ago.
On Tap
After two wins this weekend, the Longhorns are 3-2 in the Big 12. Two tough road matches again Colorado and Nebraska loom ahead this weekend before returning home to finish out the conference schedule. Texas currently sits in fourth behind undefeated Texas A&M, Nebraska and Kansas.
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