Sept. 19, 2002

Memphis, Tenn. - With five non-conference games behind them and a solid record of 3-1-1 to show for it, the Lady Tigers are set to open their Conference-USA women's soccer schedule with a pair of home matches this weekend at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Memphis will entertain the Saint Louis Bilikens on Friday at 7 p.m. and conclude its five-game home stand with East Carolina Pirates Sunday at Noon.

"This weekend is the most important to date for us," Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "We want to set the tone ealry in conference play and you do that by winning games. Both teams are very good. I thought Saint Louis was one of the better teams we played last year and this will be our first time to play East Carolina, but they are a talented squad."

Memphis dropped a 2-0 decision last year to Saint Louis (4-2, 0-0) in both team's league-opener and the Bilikens hold a 4-2 lead in the all-time series with the Lady Tigers. East Carolina (3-2-1) joined the Conference USA as a full-time member last season and the women's soccer team posted a 6-4 record in its inaugural season. The Lady Tigers and Pirates have never met on the soccer field.

Senior Alison Baker will be the focal point for the Memphis offense. The Lady Tiger midfielder leads the team with 10 points and four goals and has scored atleast one point in eight consecutive matches dating back to last year. Baker is second on the team in assists with two while sophomore newcomer Kirsty Marr leads the team with three.

The Lady Tigers will look to end a five-game losing streak in conference openers that dates back to 1997. Memphis is 1-6 all-time in league-openers and 1-1 in league openers at home.