Aug. 21, 1999

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's soccer team trounced Illinois St. Saturday, 5-1, to win its exhibition opener at Audrey J. Walton Track-Soccer Field-Stadium. Junior forward Nikki Thole, netted two goals and assisted on two others in the Tiger vcitory.

Senior forward Erin Grimsley scored MUs first two goals both on feeds from Thole and freshman midfielder Suzanne Probst knocked in a fifteen- yard drive to round out the Tiger scoring off a pass from junior Kristin Boeker. Senior Jackie Adamec and sophomore Graham Watson combined for the win in goal.

"We were happy that our midfielders became so involved in the attack today, " Head Coach Bryan Blitz said. "We showed great depth off the bench which we feel is an improvement over past years and our new players really blended in well with our veterans."

Missouri controlled the contest for much of the match outshooting the Redbirds 19-8, and the Tiger defense allowed ISU only one shot the entire second half. Nearly all of the Missouri roster saw action in the game, a sign of the depth off the bench. The victory pushed Missouri's all-time preseason record to 5-1 over four seasons and was Missouri's four straight exhibition victory in 1999 with the addition of their three-gane sweep in Holland earlier this summer.

"Our attack offense was very good today," Blitz said. "The defense stayed organized back there which was good to see the first time out."

The Tigers open their regular season Friday, August 27, at 4pm when they host Duke at Walton Stadium. Missouri will also open its Big 12 Conference schedule in the upcoming week, as the Colorado Buffaloes visit Columbia on Sunday, August 29 at 1pm.