March 17, 1999

MOVIN' ON UP
The Missouri Women's Soccer Team isn't going to forget they got passed up for a bid to the 1998 NCAA Tournament. In fact, they are going to thrive on it. In the back of their heads is this little voice that reminds them of just how close they came. They have every intention of being up close come next November. This spring is a stepping stone in the race for the top.

By placing second this past weekend in a Big 12 and ACC showdown, the Tigers made a statement. These cats can play with the big dogs. As if being the runner-up in the Big 12 Tournament in San Antonio last November wasn't enough to earn the respect they deserve, the Tigers showed their strengths last weekend. Only losing one game by one goal to Clemson, and tying with Duke, Missouri placed second in the Houston Challenge Cup Tournament. "We got some great competition this past weekend. Our performance and finish is a good confidence builder, and is something we will take into each game the rest of this spring," stated Head Coach Bryan Blitz on the tournament.

Coach Blitz is not going to sit around and wait, as he did in 1998, to see if Missouri was going to make it to the dance. He is putting on the Tigers' dancing shoes with the schedule this spring. "We feel we didn't get the respect we deserved at the end of last season. We are going to get that respect now by playing these teams. This is our opportunity to earn some national respect as well as surprise some teams around the country."

PLAYING THE FIELD

Returning all eleven starters, the Tigers also gain more momentum with the return of Mandy Waters, who chose to take a medical redshirt last season. After injuring her knee last summer, Waters sat out the fall season to rehabilitate her torn anterior cruciate ligament. She rejoined the Tigers in Houston last weekend.

"I am really excited, and I feel good. It is definitely good to be back," Waters said.

The offense is loaded with sophomore Nikki Thole and her junior sidekick Erin Grimsley. An impetus to the offense, Grimsley assisted both goals in the Duke game. Thole, as well as sophomore Amy Timmerman added to the attack with one goal each. The defense, anchored by junior Heather Buchheit, remains a force, helping junior goalkeeper Jackie Adamec. With the competition Coach Blitz has lined up, this spring will offer an opportunity for the Tigers to solidify.

"We are looking to solidify our starting lineup for the fall. The spring is a good time to see where we are at," said Coach Blitz.

TIGER CUBS

Adding to the attack for next fall, the Tigers bring in two more recruits. With the total now at five new Tiger cubs, Missouri adds depth to their line up.

Out of Arvada, Colorado, Suzanne Probst will come to Missouri to compete for a spot in the midfield. A member of the Colorado Olympic Development Team for the past three years, Probst has international experience as well. Her club team, the Colorado Rush has won two state cup championships. Currently a senior at Arvada West High School, Probst's career has been at the varsity level.

"We are looking to Suzanne to come into her own here at Mizzou. She is an adept passer and has good field vision. She will be an asset to our ball club," said Coach Blitz on Suzanne Probst.

Also signing with Missouri is Laura Smith out of Valley Stream, New York. A three sport athlete, Smith will add to the Tiger attack up front. Proving she can compete under pressure, Smith notched a hat trick in the state cup finals on her club team, the Hewlett-Blue Hurricanes. She was also a member of the New York Olympic Development Team.

"With her speed and athleticism, Laura will add a new dimension to our team. She has that Long Island tenacity that will make her a presence on the field," stated Coach Blitz on Laura Smith.

A LOOK AHEAD

The Tigers will be in action in Columbia when they play host to Tulsa, Evansville and Kansas on April 11, 1999. The action begins at 9:00 a.m. at Audrey J. Walton Stadium. All games are open to the public.