Sept. 5, 2003
Box Score
Columbia, Mo.-Mizzou fought through another tense game to earn its third consecutive victory on the year and open the season with a 3-0 record. The Tigers defeated the Boilermakers in a 2-1 contest to take their first victory over Purdue and edge the series record to 1-2.
Missouri opened the game making strong runs on the Purdue goal. Forwards Kristen Heil and Jennifer Nobis pressured the Boilermaker keeper to control the period early on. Their offensive efforts finally paid off midway through the first half when Nobis was able to loft a ball over the Purdue defensive line enabling Heil to plant a scoring shot.
The Boilermakers fought back, scoring a goal of their own just ten minutes later. On a fluke shot, Kelly Haxton gathered a midfield ball from Lauren Sesselmann and launched a shot from beyond the defensive box to score. The ball sailed just over goalkeeper Stephanie Krawczyk's reach to tie the game.
Despite the setback, Missouri kept to its strategy of winning loose balls, skillfully passing and defensively dominating on the offense. Setting the rhythm, the Tigers were able to control the game and choreograph Mizzou's winning goal. Like a well-rehearsed scene, freshman midfielder Aria Hudetz worked a ball back to the left post where she chipped a shot back through the goalbox. Well positioned inside the box, junior forward Shea Swoboda re-angled the ball and slipped it past the Purdue keeper to score the game winner.
Playing a strong game for the Tigers, junior Ashley Gibbs had a standout game in the midfield. Exhibiting her quick and aggressive skill, she repeatedly dominated the opponent both offensively and defensively. Following her pace, the Mizzou half field squad also saw solid minutes from freshman Lauren Grice who continued to show promise as a valuable asset on both sides of the ball.
Bolstered by her counterparts' efforts on the defensive end, Hudetz had a breakout game forcing the Boilermaker defensive line to take precautions on her approach. Coming into her own, Hudetz made several fierce offensive runs in addition to her game-winning assist.
Rounding out tremendous efforts by all members of the Tiger squad, Krawczyk is 2-0 on the year making two saves on her way to earning her second consecutive victory.
The Nike Tiger Invitational continues on Sunday, beginning at 10:00 a.m., when Arkansas faces Purdue. Missouri follows up taking on Arizona in the final game of the tournament at 12:00 p.m.
