UNLV putting faith in defense

UNLV women's soccer coach Kat Mertz believes good defense is the key to winning championships.

Mertz's squad proved her correct last November in the Mountain West Conference Tournament when it recorded three consecutive shutouts to claim the title and the automatic NCAA Tournament berth that went with it.

Little has changed since then, and Mertz is again relying on strong defense to maintain her team's success. Her backfield is young, but the coach hopes two key defenders -- junior Brie Kuhne and sophomore Mack Neely -- will help to keep opponents' offensive numbers to a minimum.

Kuhne, a native of San Diego, started all 23 games last season and helped UNLV post 10 shutouts. Her contributions earned her a spot on the All-Mountain West team.

"We had a meeting the other day," said Kuhne, a team co-captain. "We're trying to realistically focus on defensive numbers. We want to lower (opponents') shots on goal."

Mertz, whose squad has allowed just one goal in two games this season, said Kuhne will be the key defender for the Rebels (2-0).

"She's the oldest one back there," said Mertz, whose team followed Friday's season-opening 2-0 home victory over Cal State Fullerton with a 2-1 win over Arizona State on Sunday. "She's the leader. We've talked about her taking ownership of the backfield and helping to keep the back line organized."

Kuhne said she feels up to the task, but she's glad Neely will be there to help.

As a freshman last season, Neely established herself by earning 21 starts and playing in every game. The Scottsdale, Ariz., native said she came to UNLV determined to help lift the Rebels to a new level.

"I always strive to get to the top," Neely said. "Starting in most of the games was great exposure for me because most players don't get to play much until they're juniors."

Mertz said she thinks the on-field relationship that developed between her backfielders last season will pay dividends this year.

"They know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and that helps them set the tone for us," she said.

There is still work to be done. Arizona State managed to take 23 shots on goal Sunday, creating extra work for goalkeeper Alicia Lugo. That number exceeded Mertz's expectations, but she said Kuhne and Neely are laying the groundwork for success.

"Brie and Mack both bring a lot of life to the team," Mertz said. "They're both personable, energetic people."

And both players share a common belief that the Rebels can earn their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth this season. In fact, Neely thinks UNLV has the potential to turn some heads nationally over the next two or three seasons.

"The main thing I want to do is leave this team better than it was when I came in," said Neely, who won two state championships in Arizona. "I'm not sure if it's realistic, but I'd also love to win a national championship before I leave."

For this season, Neely will focus on winning one game at a time. She pointed out that several close losses to respected programs hurt the Rebels last season.

"We have a pretty tough schedule this year," she said. "Last year, we kind of put ourselves in a hole by losing some close games. This year, we can't wait until the tournament. We have to play good now."

The Rebels will face their first road challenges this weekend at Central Florida and South Carolina, beginning a four-game stretch away from home.