Aug. 19, 2009

Memphis, Tenn. -

LSU Game Notes

The back-to-back Conference USA champion Memphis women's soccer team begins the quest for an unprecedented third-straight C-USA championship Friday in Baton Rouge, La.

"These kids are hungry for a third one," Head Coach Brooks Monaghan said. "With this group, all they know is winning. They know what it takes, and that's a key. It takes a ton of work to win at this level. I believe in this group."

The Lady Tigers will face an LSU squad setting its sights on a third consecutive championship after winning the last two SEC West Division championships.

"I think our girls are excited and LSU is very good team," Monaghan said. "It's going to be a good test for our first game of the season. I doubt us or LSU will be at their best but it should be a good game."

After opening preseason camp on August 5, the Lady Tigers are putting the finishing touches on preparations for the bayou Bengals.

"Preparation is moving in the right direction," Monaghan said. "Its preseason and it's a slow gradual process and you want to get better with each day. We have definitely made that progress of getting better each day and we have started to slow things down to make sure the girls are fresh for Friday night. We are starting to get some of the players we held out on Saturday during our preseason game back healthy."

Memphis defeated Samford 2-0 in preseason play August 15. Junior forward Ashley Berra and freshman forward Taylor Isenhower netted goals for the Lady Tigers.

The Lady Tigers are 8-6-0 all-time in season openers and 3-5 in season openers on the road. In the most recent season opener on the road, Memphis defeated Tennessee Tech 8-0 in 2006. The Lady Tigers have won their last five season openers and seven of the last ten overall.

Lady Tiger women's soccer fans can access free online streaming of Friday's Memphis versus 25th ranked LSU. Live streaming audio can be accessed online at www.totalsportsradio.com. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:45 pm with kick-off of the Lady Tigers 2009 season set for 7 pm in Baton Rouge, La.