The Kansas women’s soccer team will be facing one of its more difficult test of the season when it travels to West Virginia on Friday night.

For a game like this the Jayhawks will have to rely on their defense to hold down the Mountaineers, the highest ranked team in the Big 12,  when they grab chances near the goal.

“They’re dangerous up front so we’ve got to contain them defensively, which I’m pretty confident we can do,” Kansas coach Mark Francis said.

One of the key players for the Jayhawks will be senior defender Madi Hillis. Someone who’s played significant time in all four seasons, Hillis knows her effort will be needed in a big time game.

“It just comes down to being more clinical and finding that extra fire,” Hillis said.

With the offense still scoreless in the three conference games, the team could feel deflated, but  Francis has seen good morale from the team.

“ I don’t think we have to go back to the drawing board, I just think we have to get better in a few small things,” Francis said.

For now the Jayhawks hope that the hard work and effort put in the last week will finally get them over the hump in a road matchup.

“I have no doubt on Friday we’ll come out and play hard and hopefully do a better job in front of goal,” Francis said.

DICKERSON IMPRESSES IN SECOND SEASON

Kansas provides plenty of veteran leadership, but it still relies on sophomore Courtney Dickerson to provide a spark as well.

With two goals and two assists so far, Dickerson found this season easier to adjust than her freshman campaign.

“I feel like I know what to expect now,” she said. “It’s not easier by any means, but it’s easier to prepare mentally.”

Dickerson will hopefully be another one of the players that can contribute to the needed scoring effort.

“I think it’s something that we’re able to overcome,” Dickerson said.  “Scoring we’ll come. Once we get one they’ll keep coming.”