Aug. 19, 2003

Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Memphis women's soccer team will open its two-match exhibition season Wednesday with a game against cross-town rival Christian Brothers. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Echles Field.

The Lady Tigers hope to bring momentum into the 2003 season from an impressive 2002 season that saw the team win a program-record five league matches and qualify for the Conference USA Tournament for the first time since 1997. "I was ready for the season to start right when the last one ended, " Head Coach Brooks Monaghan said. "This will be a nice chance though to see where we are with just over a week left before our first regular season match with Mississippi State."

It will also be a chance for Memphis to get back at its cross-town rivals after suffering a 3-2 double-overtime loss to the Bucs last season. Christian Brothers, who went on to win the Division II National Championship, evened the all-time series at two wins a piece with its victory last year.

"This is the perfect time to play so both teams can see where they stand," Monaghan added. "These games are always close because of the rivalry and I can assure you our players are going to treat this as a real game. It's going to be a great test because of all the emotions involved between the two squads."

In a tune-up prior to the exhibition opener, the Lady Tigers' 13 returners and 10 newcomers played together for the first time against live competition defeating an alumni squad of U of M players 6-0. Junior midfielder Annika Moller netted a hat trick in the contest scoring half of her team's goals.