Aug. 20, 2001

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The U of M Lady Tiger soccer team dropped its preseason opener to the visiting Otahkians of Southeast Missouri State on Monday evening, by a score of 3-1.

SEMO jumped out to the early 1-0 lead when Erin Slattery slipped a slow roller past a diving Katarina Wicksell in the second minute of action. Nearly 23 minutes later, the U of M equalized with a strike of its own after freshman Annika Moller took a feed from fellow freshman Michelle Sorensen and ripped a blast from the top of the penalty box, which beat SEMO keeper Beth Guccione and tied the match at one. The Lady Tiger offense however, failed to convert down the stretch and had to settle for the loss after outshooting the Otahkians 7-2 in the first period.

Lauren Haskins and Marla Gianino went on to add insurance goals for the Otahkians in the second half of play. Both teams matched each other with a total of nine shots, but SEMO got the better of Memphis in the second period, outshooting them 6-2.

Lady Tiger starting keeper Katarina Wicksell was injured during SEMO's first goal and had to leave the match with neck pains less than five minutes into regulation. She was not seriously injured and is listed as day-to-day. Backup keeper Kari Rawe stepped in and allowed two goals but still came away with three saves in the loss.

The Lady Tigers open regular season play on August 31, when they travel to Columbia, Mo., for a road showdown with Big 12 opponent Missouri at 7 p.m.