Aug. 18, 2004

Memphis, Tenn. - The Memphis women's soccer team is nearly one week into two-a-day practices and head coach Brooks Monaghan is pleased with the progress of his team thus far. The Lady Tigers began practicing last Friday and have had two practices every day except for yesterday, when they had one practice followed by a scrimmage with the alumni in the evening. The current version of the Tigers defeated the alumni last night 6-2.

In the contest, Madison Cheek scored two goals while Susannah Dawells, Vicki Greenwell, Carla Scanniello, and Candace Halvorson all added single scores.

"I am pleased with how they have been practicing and with how they played," said Monaghan. "They have done what we have asked them to and that is the first step to success. I was happy with how they reacted to their first test last night."

The team is adjusting to a new formation on the field as well. In the past, the Tigers have played a 3-5-2 format (3 defenders, 5 midfielders, 2 forwards) but this year they are switching to a 4-4-2.

Monaghan has also been pleased with his team's level of conditioning, which he says has been better than in past years.

"Most of the players have worked hard during the summer and that has shown early on in practice. Because of their hard work, we haven't had to spend as much time on fitness," Monaghan observed.

The team's 10 newcomers, seven true freshmen, two redshirt freshmen, and one transfer, have also blended in with the team quite well.

"Our newcomers really fit in with the team's overall ability level and that makes things easier," said Monaghan.

The Lady Tigers will play an exhibition game at Southeast Missouri State on Friday at 6:00 p.m. They will then continue practice leading up to their season opener at Alabama A&M on Sunday, August 29. The homer opener is one week later, on September 5 againast Middle Tennessee State.