Aug. 30, 2002

Boca Raton, Fla. - Florida Atlantic and a South Florida lightning storm each tried to contain the University of Memphis women's soccer team in its season opener Friday, but neither could as the Lady Tigers defeated the host Owls 2-1 at the FAU Kickoff Classic in Boca Raton, Fla.

Memphis jumped out a to quick 2-0 lead in the first half after the lightning storm delayed the start for 30 minutes. Sophomore LeAnne McGee scored the Lady Tigers' first goal of the season on a give-and-go in the eighth minute which senior Becca Amrozowicz and sophomore Kirsty Marr each assisted on.

"We came out flying," head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "We were brilliant in the first half. We got out to a 2-0 lead and sometimes that is the toughest lead to hold, but the girls kept pushing and did the job. It was a great start to the season."

Senior Alison Baker scored the second goal on a cross from Anna Thorsdottir in the 43rd minute to give the Lady Tigers a 2-0 cushion at the half.

Junior Katarina Wicksell held the Owls scoreless until the 72nd minute when the host squad cut the lead in half on a goal by Brandy Herrmann. The Owls outshot Memphis 12-9 including 11-4 in the second half, but The Lady Tigers would hold off the late rally to pick up the program's first-ever season opening win on the road.

The Lady Tigers return to action Sunday when they will conclude their tournament action with a match against Florida International set for 11 a.m. CDT.