The University of Memphis women's soccer team started off the spring season strongly on Saturday. The Lady Tigers posted victories over Arkansas State and rival Ole Miss in the GSC Fury College Challenge at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.
Memphis was dominant throughout the day, and they were utilizing a new style of play that Coach Brooks Monaghan has installed.
"We are trying out a 4-3-3 system because I think it complements the players we have," Monaghan said. "It's a more direct style of play that's more aggressive and attacking."
Attack is just what the Lady Tigers did Saturday, starting with a 5-1 win over Arkansas State. Junior Shoko Mikami started things off by scoring two goals in the first half, helping to build a 2-1 lead.
In the second half Memphis shut down Arkansas State and ran away with the game by adding three more goals from junior Nicky McLeod, sophomore Candace Halvorson and freshman Kylie Hayes.
McLeod credits the team's success to the new system and returning players.
"We've only lost two girls off of last year's team," she said. "So we have a lot of experience coming back for this year, and that should make a difference."
After doing away with Arkansas State, the Lady Tigers turned their attention to rival Ole Miss. Memphis wanted to avenge a loss from last fall, and they were facing a Lady Rebels team that finished first in the SEC West division last season.
"There is always a battle when our two teams play," Monaghan said. "Our programs respect one another."
Memphis started off the game with a goal by sophomore Asuka Kubota. The Lady Tigers used the new aggressive defense to shut out Ole Miss, and two more goals were added in the second half by Mikami and freshman Emiko Schwab to secure the 3-0 win.
McLeod was proud of the team's win over Ole Miss, especially because of the revenge factor.
"We always play them so close, and come up short at times," she said. "It's great any time you beat an SEC school, but beating them is even better."
With a victory over a strong SEC opponent and so many returning players, Monaghan is looking forward to the rest of the spring season.
"Last year we had so many new kids that had to come in and play right away," he said. "Now we have some players with experience so we have high expectations for this team."
Monaghan said the rest of the spring schedule should help give the girls more confidence and learning opportunities to develop for the fall.
Their next contest is scheduled for March 19 at the University of Missouri.
