Nov. 7, 2003

Box Score

San Antonio, Texas - Shaking away its last yawns, the Big 12 Conference's sleeping giant earned its fifth season victory over a ranked opponent. The Mizzou Tigers overpowered the #21 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers 3-2 in the semifinal round of the Big 12 Tournament. The victory marks Missouri's first win over Nebraska and the first time a No. 8 seed has advanced to the conference tournament championship.

Standing up to an 0-11 series record, Mizzou didn't waste any time asserting itself against the 2002 Big 12 Champion. Just eight minutes into the game, Melissa Peabody put the Tigers up scoring an unassisted goal. Pressuring Nebraska, a Cornhusker defender sent a pass back to goalkeeper Brooke Brendenberg. Before the keeper could clear the ball however, Peabody swept in with a steal to score unhindered.

Encouraged by the goal, Mizzou further asserted its dexterity oppressing the Cornhusker offensive drive. The Tiger defensive squad built a solid barrier shutting out Nebraska's forward line. Defender Erica Pusch dominated NU's Kari Hogan keeping her to just one wide shot during the first half. Likewise, fellow back Ashley Gibbs controlled Brittany Timko reducing her frantic shot attempts harmlessly wide. Reinforced by stopper Karen Bauer, the trio created an impenetrable barricade in the Missouri backfield.

Profiting from the defense's exertions, the Missouri offensive squad used the advantage to post another point on the scoreboard. Jennifer Nobis dribbled a ball up the field where she crossed a long ball through the Nebraska penalty box. Utilizing her astounding speed, Peabody over took the Husker defender marking her to score the Tiger's second goal and lead Missouri into intermission with a 2-0 lead.

Carrying the momentum into the second half, Missouri maintained its unwavering initiative. Grounding their success with precise passing and solid defense, the Tigers opened the second period advancing their lead. Peabody worked a ball up the far sideline and launched a pass wide over the field. Adriene Davis redirected the pass back inside the Nebraska goal box where Kristen Heil drove the goal home.

Down by three, Nebraska came back with its most aggressive play of the game. Despite their drive, the Tigers continually thwarted the Huskers' direct scoring attempts. Finding their arsenal depleted, Nebraska utilized its remaining height advantage to score two goals late in the period. Lining up some of the league's tallest athletes, the Cornhuskers knocked in two headers from corner kicks. Finishing crosses by defender Jenna Cooper, Ashley Tenn put NU on the board and Jessie Bruch thumped the Husker's second goal.

Seeing their lead dwindle to just one point, the Tigers found the vigor to increase their intensity and hold Nebraska during the final eight minutes of play. Mizzou's 3-2 win catapults the Tigers into the tournament's championship game owning an 11-9-1 record.

Missouri is scheduled to face Oklahoma State on Sun., Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m., vying for the coveted Big 12 Tournament crown and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.