Caroline Smith scored a record-setting 19 goals for Kansas University’s soccer team last season.
Yet Smith has only three goals this fall. Is KU coach Mark Francis worried? Not at all.
“A lot of teams are keying on Caroline, and that means other people are open,” Francis said. “It’s good for the team she’s getting so much attention.”
Kansas certainly hasn’t suffered from Smith’s lower goal production. The Jayhawks have won eight of their nine matches and are ranked No. 8 nationally going into their Big 12 Conference openers this weekend.
KU will meet perennial power Nebraska at 5 p.m. today at Jayhawk Soccer Complex, then play host to defending league champ Colorado at 1 p.m. Sunday.
“Your first conference game is always important,” Francis said, “and playing Nebraska, a team with such a history of success, it’s nice to have them at home.”
The Cornhuskers began the season ranked No. 25, but have lost three of their nine matches — to Stanford, North Carolina and Pacific.
“They haven’t lost to anybody they shouldn’t have lost to,” Francis said. “I’ve watched them on tape and they’re good. They’re very good.”
Nebraska holds an 8-1-1 edge in the series. The Jayhawks defeated the Huskers for the first time last October, winning 1-0 in Lincoln, Neb., on a late Smith goal.
“It could have gone either way,” Francis said about last year’s clash. “I don’t expect it to be any different this time.”
Smith, Rachel Gilfillan and Nicole Cauzillo lead KU with three goals apiece. Smith and Cauzillo, a transfer from West Virginia, also have two assists apiece. Gilfillan has one.
With the Jayhawks featuring such a balanced attack, the spotlight has fallen on senior Meghan Miller, who leads the Big 12 in every goalkeeping category — goals against average (0.22), saves (44), save percentage (.957) and shutouts (7).
However, Francis is quick to point out that starting defenders Holly Gault, Stacy Leeper, Nikki Alvarez and freshman Afton Sauer deserve some of the credit.
“All of them are playing extremely well,” Francis said. “They do a real good job of communicating.”
KU’s lone loss was a 1-0 decision Sept. 14 at Illinois. The only other team to score on the Jayhawks has been Clemson. KU topped the Tigers, 3-1.
Melissa Lacey/Journal-World PhotoAs thousands of people tip off a game-watching party Saturday at Memorial Stadium, much of the rest of campus will take a time-out.
Kansas University officials said Thursday they will take the unprecedented move of closing many campus roads and buildings during the Jayhawks’ Final Four game, which is scheduled for approximately 7:47 p.m. Saturday.
“We learned the hard way we should have locked the buildings down,” said KU spokesman Todd Cohen.
In 1991, when KU lost the national championship game to Duke, between 10,000 and 15,000 people came to campus, causing injuries and damaging campus buildings.
This time around, KU officials are hoping to divert fans away from the main campus and toward Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Megavision, the stadium’s large video screen. Post-game interviews also will be broadcast live.
Baby Jay, the Crimson Girls and a pep band will be at the stadium, where gates open at 6:30 p.m.
“This is as close as you can get to the Allen Fieldhouse experience,” Cohen said. “For those of us who can’t go to Atlanta, it’s the next best thing.”
Asked of Monte Johnson, a Lawrence resident who was KU athletics director from 1982 to 1987: Q: What was it like to witness KU’s 1986 Final Four run that ended with a loss to Duke in the semifinal game? A” “I can remember sitting in that arena in Dallas hoping that everything would come together. When watching those games, it was almost a way to relax after all the work that went into getting to that point. There was great satisfaction. You felt like the fans were going to be rewarded.”
Concession stands will be open. No alcohol will be allowed.
If KU wins Saturday, a similar event will be scheduled for Monday night’s championship game, which begins at 8:17 p.m. Cohen said there were no plans to cancel classes Monday night.
If they play Monday, win or lose, the Jayhawks will return to a welcome-home party at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Stadium.
Jayhawk Boulevard the main road through campus will close at the beginning of the game and will remain closed until fans disperse after the game. Buildings along the boulevard also will be closed.
KU Public Safety officials also will close several other campus roads.
Parking garages will be open and offer free parking. Access to the Kansas Union garage will be from Oread Avenue. Vehicles can exit but not enter from Mississippi Street.
Anschutz Library, the only KU library with Saturday evening hours, will close at 7:30 p.m. All libraries will close at 7:30 p.m. Monday if KU is in the finals.
The NCAA Tournament even has altered schedules in KU’s School of Fine Arts.
Two one-act operas “Telephone” by Gian-Carlo Menotti and “Impressario” by Mozart scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday have been switched to 4:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
A Monday faculty recital by tenor Genaro Mendez has been changed from 7:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., also in Swarthout Recital Hall.
But basketball still may take precedence over the events.
“I’m worried attendance might be slim anyway,” said Vickie Hamilton-Smith, spokeswoman for the School of Fine Arts.
Monday’s game also has changed the schedule for the Lawrence school board. The board’s meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday, rather than 7 p.m., at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.
“I anticipate a short board meeting,” said Supt. Randy Weseman. “Then we’ll go home and, hopefully, watch the ‘Hawks pound whomever.”
The time change stands regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game between KU and Maryland.
Board member Scott Morgan vowed to keep an eye on the clock during the meeting.
“If anybody thinks I’m staying past 7:30, they’re nuts,” he said.
Mayor Sue Hack joined KU officials this week in urging fans to be responsible during and after the games.
“While you are showing your support for an outstanding basketball season, remember to be safe and continue to respect the people and property in our community,” she said. “I am just as excited as anyone about the chance for our team to win the tournament title, and I invite you to join me in celebrating responsibly and safely. Let’s show our support by being excellent fans.”
TV and radio spots with KU coach Roy Williams have been airing for about a week, urging fans to celebrate safely and not bring alcohol to campus.
Williams and KU guard Jeff Boschee also sent e-mails to all KU students last weekend urging a safe celebration.
KU officials have contacted liquor stores this week, asking them to sell plastic and canned products before products in glass bottles. People have been injured by flying glass bottles in past celebrations and have cut themselves on broken glass, Cohen said.
“We’re asking them to push the cans first and the glass last,” he said. “That would be helpful.”
Melissa Lacey/Journal-World PhotoAs thousands of people tip off a game-watching party Saturday at Memorial Stadium, much of the rest of campus will take a time-out.
Kansas University officials said Thursday they will take the unprecedented move of closing many campus roads and buildings during the Jayhawks’ Final Four game, which is scheduled for approximately 7:47 p.m. Saturday.
“We learned the hard way we should have locked the buildings down,” said KU spokesman Todd Cohen.
In 1991, when KU lost the national championship game to Duke, between 10,000 and 15,000 people came to campus, causing injuries and damaging campus buildings.
This time around, KU officials are hoping to divert fans away from the main campus and toward Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Megavision, the stadium’s large video screen. Post-game interviews also will be broadcast live.
Baby Jay, the Crimson Girls and a pep band will be at the stadium, where gates open at 6:30 p.m.
“This is as close as you can get to the Allen Fieldhouse experience,” Cohen said. “For those of us who can’t go to Atlanta, it’s the next best thing.”
Asked of Monte Johnson, a Lawrence resident who was KU athletics director from 1982 to 1987: Q: What was it like to witness KU’s 1986 Final Four run that ended with a loss to Duke in the semifinal game? A” “I can remember sitting in that arena in Dallas hoping that everything would come together. When watching those games, it was almost a way to relax after all the work that went into getting to that point. There was great satisfaction. You felt like the fans were going to be rewarded.”
Concession stands will be open. No alcohol will be allowed.
If KU wins Saturday, a similar event will be scheduled for Monday night’s championship game, which begins at 8:17 p.m. Cohen said there were no plans to cancel classes Monday night.
If they play Monday, win or lose, the Jayhawks will return to a welcome-home party at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Stadium.
Jayhawk Boulevard the main road through campus will close at the beginning of the game and will remain closed until fans disperse after the game. Buildings along the boulevard also will be closed.
KU Public Safety officials also will close several other campus roads.
Parking garages will be open and offer free parking. Access to the Kansas Union garage will be from Oread Avenue. Vehicles can exit but not enter from Mississippi Street.
Anschutz Library, the only KU library with Saturday evening hours, will close at 7:30 p.m. All libraries will close at 7:30 p.m. Monday if KU is in the finals.
The NCAA Tournament even has altered schedules in KU’s School of Fine Arts.
Two one-act operas “Telephone” by Gian-Carlo Menotti and “Impressario” by Mozart scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday have been switched to 4:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
A Monday faculty recital by tenor Genaro Mendez has been changed from 7:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., also in Swarthout Recital Hall.
But basketball still may take precedence over the events.
“I’m worried attendance might be slim anyway,” said Vickie Hamilton-Smith, spokeswoman for the School of Fine Arts.
Monday’s game also has changed the schedule for the Lawrence school board. The board’s meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday, rather than 7 p.m., at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.
“I anticipate a short board meeting,” said Supt. Randy Weseman. “Then we’ll go home and, hopefully, watch the ‘Hawks pound whomever.”
The time change stands regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game between KU and Maryland.
Board member Scott Morgan vowed to keep an eye on the clock during the meeting.
“If anybody thinks I’m staying past 7:30, they’re nuts,” he said.
Mayor Sue Hack joined KU officials this week in urging fans to be responsible during and after the games.
“While you are showing your support for an outstanding basketball season, remember to be safe and continue to respect the people and property in our community,” she said. “I am just as excited as anyone about the chance for our team to win the tournament title, and I invite you to join me in celebrating responsibly and safely. Let’s show our support by being excellent fans.”
TV and radio spots with KU coach Roy Williams have been airing for about a week, urging fans to celebrate safely and not bring alcohol to campus.
Williams and KU guard Jeff Boschee also sent e-mails to all KU students last weekend urging a safe celebration.
KU officials have contacted liquor stores this week, asking them to sell plastic and canned products before products in glass bottles. People have been injured by flying glass bottles in past celebrations and have cut themselves on broken glass, Cohen said.
“We’re asking them to push the cans first and the glass last,” he said. “That would be helpful.”
Melissa Lacey/Journal-World PhotoAs thousands of people tip off a game-watching party Saturday at Memorial Stadium, much of the rest of campus will take a time-out.
Kansas University officials said Thursday they will take the unprecedented move of closing many campus roads and buildings during the Jayhawks’ Final Four game, which is scheduled for approximately 7:47 p.m. Saturday.
“We learned the hard way we should have locked the buildings down,” said KU spokesman Todd Cohen.
In 1991, when KU lost the national championship game to Duke, between 10,000 and 15,000 people came to campus, causing injuries and damaging campus buildings.
This time around, KU officials are hoping to divert fans away from the main campus and toward Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Megavision, the stadium’s large video screen. Post-game interviews also will be broadcast live.
Baby Jay, the Crimson Girls and a pep band will be at the stadium, where gates open at 6:30 p.m.
“This is as close as you can get to the Allen Fieldhouse experience,” Cohen said. “For those of us who can’t go to Atlanta, it’s the next best thing.”
Asked of Monte Johnson, a Lawrence resident who was KU athletics director from 1982 to 1987: Q: What was it like to witness KU’s 1986 Final Four run that ended with a loss to Duke in the semifinal game? A” “I can remember sitting in that arena in Dallas hoping that everything would come together. When watching those games, it was almost a way to relax after all the work that went into getting to that point. There was great satisfaction. You felt like the fans were going to be rewarded.”
Concession stands will be open. No alcohol will be allowed.
If KU wins Saturday, a similar event will be scheduled for Monday night’s championship game, which begins at 8:17 p.m. Cohen said there were no plans to cancel classes Monday night.
If they play Monday, win or lose, the Jayhawks will return to a welcome-home party at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Stadium.
Jayhawk Boulevard the main road through campus will close at the beginning of the game and will remain closed until fans disperse after the game. Buildings along the boulevard also will be closed.
KU Public Safety officials also will close several other campus roads.
Parking garages will be open and offer free parking. Access to the Kansas Union garage will be from Oread Avenue. Vehicles can exit but not enter from Mississippi Street.
Anschutz Library, the only KU library with Saturday evening hours, will close at 7:30 p.m. All libraries will close at 7:30 p.m. Monday if KU is in the finals.
The NCAA Tournament even has altered schedules in KU’s School of Fine Arts.
Two one-act operas “Telephone” by Gian-Carlo Menotti and “Impressario” by Mozart scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday have been switched to 4:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
A Monday faculty recital by tenor Genaro Mendez has been changed from 7:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., also in Swarthout Recital Hall.
But basketball still may take precedence over the events.
“I’m worried attendance might be slim anyway,” said Vickie Hamilton-Smith, spokeswoman for the School of Fine Arts.
Monday’s game also has changed the schedule for the Lawrence school board. The board’s meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday, rather than 7 p.m., at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.
“I anticipate a short board meeting,” said Supt. Randy Weseman. “Then we’ll go home and, hopefully, watch the ‘Hawks pound whomever.”
The time change stands regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game between KU and Maryland.
Board member Scott Morgan vowed to keep an eye on the clock during the meeting.
“If anybody thinks I’m staying past 7:30, they’re nuts,” he said.
Mayor Sue Hack joined KU officials this week in urging fans to be responsible during and after the games.
“While you are showing your support for an outstanding basketball season, remember to be safe and continue to respect the people and property in our community,” she said. “I am just as excited as anyone about the chance for our team to win the tournament title, and I invite you to join me in celebrating responsibly and safely. Let’s show our support by being excellent fans.”
TV and radio spots with KU coach Roy Williams have been airing for about a week, urging fans to celebrate safely and not bring alcohol to campus.
Williams and KU guard Jeff Boschee also sent e-mails to all KU students last weekend urging a safe celebration.
KU officials have contacted liquor stores this week, asking them to sell plastic and canned products before products in glass bottles. People have been injured by flying glass bottles in past celebrations and have cut themselves on broken glass, Cohen said.
“We’re asking them to push the cans first and the glass last,” he said. “That would be helpful.”
Melissa Lacey/Journal-World PhotoAs thousands of people tip off a game-watching party Saturday at Memorial Stadium, much of the rest of campus will take a time-out.
Kansas University officials said Thursday they will take the unprecedented move of closing many campus roads and buildings during the Jayhawks’ Final Four game, which is scheduled for approximately 7:47 p.m. Saturday.
“We learned the hard way we should have locked the buildings down,” said KU spokesman Todd Cohen.
In 1991, when KU lost the national championship game to Duke, between 10,000 and 15,000 people came to campus, causing injuries and damaging campus buildings.
This time around, KU officials are hoping to divert fans away from the main campus and toward Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Megavision, the stadium’s large video screen. Post-game interviews also will be broadcast live.
Baby Jay, the Crimson Girls and a pep band will be at the stadium, where gates open at 6:30 p.m.
“This is as close as you can get to the Allen Fieldhouse experience,” Cohen said. “For those of us who can’t go to Atlanta, it’s the next best thing.”
Asked of Monte Johnson, a Lawrence resident who was KU athletics director from 1982 to 1987: Q: What was it like to witness KU’s 1986 Final Four run that ended with a loss to Duke in the semifinal game? A” “I can remember sitting in that arena in Dallas hoping that everything would come together. When watching those games, it was almost a way to relax after all the work that went into getting to that point. There was great satisfaction. You felt like the fans were going to be rewarded.”
Concession stands will be open. No alcohol will be allowed.
If KU wins Saturday, a similar event will be scheduled for Monday night’s championship game, which begins at 8:17 p.m. Cohen said there were no plans to cancel classes Monday night.
If they play Monday, win or lose, the Jayhawks will return to a welcome-home party at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Stadium.
Jayhawk Boulevard the main road through campus will close at the beginning of the game and will remain closed until fans disperse after the game. Buildings along the boulevard also will be closed.
KU Public Safety officials also will close several other campus roads.
Parking garages will be open and offer free parking. Access to the Kansas Union garage will be from Oread Avenue. Vehicles can exit but not enter from Mississippi Street.
Anschutz Library, the only KU library with Saturday evening hours, will close at 7:30 p.m. All libraries will close at 7:30 p.m. Monday if KU is in the finals.
The NCAA Tournament even has altered schedules in KU’s School of Fine Arts.
Two one-act operas “Telephone” by Gian-Carlo Menotti and “Impressario” by Mozart scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday have been switched to 4:30 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
A Monday faculty recital by tenor Genaro Mendez has been changed from 7:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., also in Swarthout Recital Hall.
But basketball still may take precedence over the events.
“I’m worried attendance might be slim anyway,” said Vickie Hamilton-Smith, spokeswoman for the School of Fine Arts.
Monday’s game also has changed the schedule for the Lawrence school board. The board’s meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday, rather than 7 p.m., at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.
“I anticipate a short board meeting,” said Supt. Randy Weseman. “Then we’ll go home and, hopefully, watch the ‘Hawks pound whomever.”
The time change stands regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game between KU and Maryland.
Board member Scott Morgan vowed to keep an eye on the clock during the meeting.
“If anybody thinks I’m staying past 7:30, they’re nuts,” he said.
Mayor Sue Hack joined KU officials this week in urging fans to be responsible during and after the games.
“While you are showing your support for an outstanding basketball season, remember to be safe and continue to respect the people and property in our community,” she said. “I am just as excited as anyone about the chance for our team to win the tournament title, and I invite you to join me in celebrating responsibly and safely. Let’s show our support by being excellent fans.”
TV and radio spots with KU coach Roy Williams have been airing for about a week, urging fans to celebrate safely and not bring alcohol to campus.
Williams and KU guard Jeff Boschee also sent e-mails to all KU students last weekend urging a safe celebration.
KU officials have contacted liquor stores this week, asking them to sell plastic and canned products before products in glass bottles. People have been injured by flying glass bottles in past celebrations and have cut themselves on broken glass, Cohen said.
“We’re asking them to push the cans first and the glass last,” he said. “That would be helpful.”
Kansas University’s football team is scheduled to fly to Colorado on Friday on a Vanguard Airlines charter plane.
As of Sunday, KU associate athletics director Richard Konzem said all systems were go for the flight, which will depart Kansas City International at 2 p.m. The Jayahwks are scheduled to play Colorado in their Big 12 Conference opener at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Boulder.
“Right now we are flying. On Monday we will follow through and call Vanguard and see how things are going,” Konzem said, noting KU had charted a 120-seat plane. “On Friday, airports were just starting to re-open. We didn’t feel we could make a good assessment until Monday or Tuesday.”
Konzem said the Jayhawks would be prepared to bus to Colorado for Saturday’s game.
“We have a backup. If we determine there is a problem, we’ll drive,” Konzem said.
The Jayhawks have 25 individuals booked on commercial flights on United. Those individual include Spirit Squad members and some support personnel.
