Aug. 25, 2000
Columbia, Mo.--The Missouri women's soccer team earned their first win of the year trampling Creighton 4-1 in the season opener. The Tigers dominated the game outshooting the Bluejays 28-5--keeping their opponent to just one shot, for a goal, in the second half.
Mizzou's offense worked overtime serving up quick passes and skillful maneuvers. Senior Nikki Thole repeatedly schooled the Creighton defense in the tight corners with an abrupt cross back move. The forward also put her talent to good use scoring the first MU goal in the game. Junior Dyana Russell collected a ball on the defensive line and lobbed it into the forward ranks. Freshman Adriene Davis collected the ball for a quick pass to Thole for the score. The goal marks Thole's first of the season and 52nd in her career.
Davis turned out to be the offensive phenom in the match however, as she scored two unassisted goals and dished out another assist in MU's second goal of the game. Davis throttled a close range shot into the Creighton box that was blocked by the keeper. Before the goaltender could recompose, freshman Melissa McLellan slammed in the No. 2 shot.
Davis continued to shine in the second half scoring the first goal of her collegiate career when she stripped a Bluejay defender of the ball to launch the shot. The freshman's second goal was even more impressive, as she dribbled the ball through a cluster of Creighton defenders to score in the low left corner of the net.
The Tigers gave up one goal to the Bluejays in the second half of the game when Lindsey Martinson beat out the MU defensive line for an open shot.
Despite the temporary breakdown, Mizzou's defense owned the game. Junior Dyana Russell and seniors Mandy Waters and Becky Paulsen once again proved a lethal combination. The squad not only kept Creighton to five shots in the game, but shutdown 1999 scoring leaders Heather Houska and Kersten Flink.
Graham Watson started for the Tigers in the box playing the first 60 minutes. The junior logged two saves before turning over the net to freshman keeper Megan Duncan who allowed the only goal in the game.
"I thought Creighton was dangerous. They were a worthy opponent and a good test for us," MU Head Coach Bryan Blitz said. "They managed to take us out of our rhythm at the end of the first half, but it was a good lesson that we need to take possession early on instead of trying to make the adjustment at half time. The heat was a bear that affected us both, but that is where our depth came into play. It just goes to show that whether they start or come off the bench each of our athletes is going to do it for us."