Feb. 24, 2005

Memphis, Tenn. - Forward Shoko Mikami recorded a hat trick and also added an assist while goalkeeper Isabel Briones recorded a shutout in goal to lead the Memphis women's soccer team to a 4-0 win over the Japanese All-Star team on Thursday night in the spring exhibition season opener for the Tigers.

Mikami, a native of Japan who missed Memphis' first eight games of the 2004 season while recovering from a knee injury, displayed the form in scoring three goals against the team from her native country that allowed her to lead Division II in scoring in the 2003 season when playing for Christian Brothers. She scored her first goal in the fourth minute of the game and was assisted by Brittany Strung, another player recovering from a knee injury. Strung redshirted and missed the entire 2004 season while recovering from knee surgery. Mikami scored her second goal in the 10th minute and was assisted on that goal by Candace Halvorson.

Yuiko Konno, who has already exhausted her NCAA eligibility but is allowed to play spring soccer, scored the third Memphis goal of the night just a minute before halftime and was assisted by Mikami and Nicky McLeod, who also missed the 2004 season while recovering from knee surgery. McLeod, a first team All-Conference selection in 2003, should be a big boost to the Memphis lineup in the fall. Mikami wrapped up the scoring four minutes into the second half to complete her hat trick with an unassisted goal.

Briones made five saves in goal for the Tigers.

"I feel good about the way we played with this being the first time playing in the spring," said Memphis coach Brooks Monaghan. "We need to work on a few things but overall, I'm pleased with the performance and the win."

The Tigers will next compete on Saturday at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex as part of the Germantown Soccer Club Fury Challenge. The showcase event brings both college and club teams from around the country together to compete against each other. The Tigers will take on the University of Alabama at 11:00 a.m. and the University of Minnesota at 4:00 p.m.