Aug. 25, 2006

Box Score

TTU Box Score
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COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Memphis Lady Tiger soccer team kicked off its season in a big way Friday, pounding in-state rival Tennessee Tech 8-0.

Reining Conference USA Player of the Year Shoko Mikami picked up right where she left off in 2005, scoring the first three goals of the match. It is Mikami's third hat trick and the fourth mult-goal match of her career.

Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan said he was pleased with what his team was able to accomplish in its first outing and that he was excited with their overall performance.

"This is a great way to start off the season," Monaghan said. "It wasn't a perfect game by any means, but I thought we gave a total effort and played well. We were able to play a lot of people and should be rested for our next match."

The Lady Tigers jumped out quickly, with freshman Eliza Wellford feeding Mikami on a crossing pass for her first goal just over one minute into the contest. Mikami scored the next two goals unassisted to give Memphis a 3-0 advantage by the 25-minute mark.

Senior transfer Geneil Newbern recorded her first score as a Lady Tiger 31 minutes into the match off an assist from forward Kylie Hayes, who gained control of a deflection off of Tech goalkeeper Jenna Wise.

The Lady Tigers continued to roll in the second period. Midfielder Laura Pfeffer picked up the second goal of her career. Hayes, a 2005 C-USA all-freshman selection, added to her point total, posting back-to-back goals at the 51 and 80-minute marks. Freshman forward, Leslie Walker picked up her first collegiate goal and gave Memphis its final margin of victory.

In total, Memphis out shot Tennessee Tech 25 to nine, putting 19 of their shots on goal to just three for the Golden Eagles. Goalkeeper Isabel Briones picked the 13th win of her career and recorded her eighth shutout, moving her to second on Memphis' career shutout list.

"We were ready to get out here today and get the season started," Monaghan said. "It really was a great way to start, but we know that we have to turn around be ready for our next match."

Memphis will look to make a clean sweep of its weekend road trip as it travels to Martin, Tenn. for a Sunday match with the UT-Martin. The Lady Tigers and the Skyhawks are set to kickoff at 2:00 p.m. at Skyhawk Soccer Field.