Soccer Opens Conference USA Play at Memphis
Sep 29, 2005 | Women's Soccer
Sept. 29, 2005
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - For the first time in 26 days, the Tulane women's soccer team will take the field against an opponent, taking on Memphis in the Conference USA opener Friday evening at 7 p.m. in Memphis.
Friday marks the first intercollegiate competition for Tulane soccer since a 2-0 loss to Kennesaw State at the UAB Nike Classic on Sept. 4.
"Our players are very excited and chomping at the bit to engage in competition," Green Wave head coach Betsy Anderson said. "We were mentally prepared to compete last week against Sam Houston State and Trinity, but we unfortunately had our games cancelled again (due to Hurricane Rita)."
While senior Jessica Mendez and junior Kali Miller lead the Tulane offensive attack with one goal and one assist apiece, junior Jessica Traver and Wave freshman Katie Somadelis have each contributed one assist on the offensive end.
"This weekend we will rely on our consistent leaders in Jackie Obert, Leah Peterson and Megan Morey," Anderson said. "Jill Sharp has also really come on for us. We are anxious to get our team in a game situation.
Tulane (0-3) faces a 6-3 Memphis squad that ranks 17th nationally, scoring 2.89 goals per game. Shoko Mikami, who has knocked in nine goals on the season, is the Tigers' top goal scorer and ranks 14th in the nation knocking in 1.0 goals per game.
The overall series is knotted at four wins apiece, with the Wave's last win coming from a 1-0 decision during the 2001 season. Memphis has won the last two meetings in 2002 and 2003; the two squads did not face each other last season.
Following Friday's game at Memphis, the Green Wave travel to UAB for a Sunday game with a kick off time of 2 p.m. Tulane returns to its home field in College Station, Texas for a four game homestand starting next weekend.
