April 3, 2005

Fayetteville, Ark. - The Memphis women's soccer team played to a 0-0 tie with the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks on Saturday. The Tigers spring record is now 4-1-3. All three ties have come against SEC opponents this spring. The shutout was the fourth of the spring for Memphis.

Memphis' best chance to score came in the first half when Nicky McLeod served a cross to Candace Halvorson in front of the goal but her shot went high and over the crossbar roughly 35 minutes into the game. Isabel Briones played very well in goal to record the shutout, making eight saves in the tie.

"I think this was one of Isabel's best games of her career at Memphis, fall or spring. She made two or three really big saves," said Memphis coach Brooks Monaghan. "I also thought Halley Jo Sullivan played well at center defensive back. She has really stepped up and done a really good job in making the transition of switching positions."

The Tigers played a few players down as both Caroline Barrett and Courtnee Melton did not play and will not for the remainder of the spring as they nurse nagging injuries. Melissa Savage also played less than 100 percent as she is battling a groin injury.

"I dont think that we were at our best," said Monaghan. "Based on the rest of the spring, which overall has been good and positive, we didn't have one of our better games. We are trying to approach our last spring game as an important one and to finish on a strong note because it has been such a good spring."

Memphis will wrap up its spring exhibition slate of games next Wednesday when they play host to their fourth SEC opponent of the spring, Mississippi State. The Tigers will take on the Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. on April 13 at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The game ws previously scheduled for Tuesday night, April 12th but was moved to Wednesday late last week. Mississippi State defeated Memphis 2-0 last fall in Starkville. The two teams will also again play this upcoming fall in Memphis.