Aug. 10, 2010

Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis senior forward Ashley Berra was chosen as preseason Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year as announced Tuesday by the league office. Senior midfielder Vendula Strnadova joins Berra on the preseason All-C-USA team.

Berra, the 2009 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, is poised to claim program records if she can duplicate her 15 goal, eight assist campaign from a season ago. The Cordova, Tenn., native lead C-USA in goals and points and was second in assists.

“No surprise to me that Ashley received this honor based on what she did last year,” said head coach Brooks Monaghan. “She is going to have a target on her back this year, but she is prepared for that. I think this is a well-deserved award and we hope she carries momentum from last season to this season.”

Strnadova, a three-time, first team All-C-USA selection, was named to the preseason All-C-USA team for the third-straight season. The Las Cruces, N.M., native has played in 66 career matches and posted 19 career goals in three seasons.

“No surprise for Vendula to be on the preseason All-Conference team and she came to camp this year in the best shape of her life,” said Monaghan. “She approaches the game like a professional and has all the tools you look for in a soccer player.”

After a preseason match-up at Western Kentucky University on Aug. 13, the Lady Tigers will travel to St. Louis, Mo., on Fri., Aug. 20 to take on the Saint Louis University Billikens to open the 2010 season.

Memphis opens the 11-match home schedule on Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. against Samford at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Season tickets to both men’s and women’s soccer matches are available for $40 by calling (901) 678-2331.