Oct. 17, 2002

MEMPHIS-Sitting at 1-4 in Conference-USA play, the University of Memphis women's soccer team needs to get back on the winning track in conference play. The Lady Tigers (5-7-1) will have two chances this weekend to do just that when they travel to Southern Miss, Friday, for a 4 p.m. kickoff and return home Sunday to face UAB at 1 p.m., at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.

"These two matches are critical for us," Head Coach Brooks Monaghan said. "It will be a challenge going on the road to Southern Miss and facing a talented team like UAB at home, but our girls know their potential and will be ready to play."

The Southern Miss match will conclude a seven-game road trip for the Lady Tigers. Both teams are struggling right now to chalk up victories. The Golden Eagles (6-7-0, 2-4-0) have dropped four of their last five matches, while the Lady Tigers have dropped five of six on the road trip. Memphis has never beaten Southern Miss in four previous matches.

The UAB match will begin a much-needed three-game homestand for the Lady Tigers. That doesn't mean the competition gets easier. The Blazers (6-7-1) enter the weekend having won two straight league matches to even their C-USA record at 3-3. UAB has also had the upperhand in the all-time series with Memphis winning the last four matches and five of six overall.

Memphis seniors Alison Baker and Becca Amrozowicz will try to ignite a Lady Tiger offense that has been sputtering of late. The duo leads the team in points and goals, with Baker leading the way with 12 points and five goals while Amrozowicz has netted four goals and 11 points. The Lady Tigers have been shutout in all four of their C-USA losses.