Sept. 7, 2003

Box Score?|? Photo Gallery

Columbia, Mo.-Cat for cat, the Missouri Tigers quickly took the bite out of the Arizona Wildcats as Mizzou pounced its opponents for a 3-1 victory. Taming Arizona during the first period scoring three goals, the Tigers easily claimed the Nike Tiger Invitational title.

After defeating Purdue on Friday (2-1), Mizzou was the only team in the quad tournament to win both of its games. The victory is Missouri's fourth consecutive win and only the second time in MU history the Tigers have opened a season with a 4-0 record (2001).

The Tigers controlled the game from the kickoff. Skillfully pressuring the Arizona defense, forward Kristen Heil put in Mizzou's first goal just eight minutes into the match. Midfielder Amber Swinehart sliced a ground ball through the Wildcat defensive line where Heil slammed a shot past goalkeeper Krystal Werges. The goal is Heil's third on the year.

Mimicking their teammates' efforts, Jennifer Nobis and Ashley Gibbs paired up for a similar play just seven minutes later. Gibbs sent a pass through the backfield where Nobis took advantage and launched a shot into the goalbox.

On a roll, the Tigers continued their offensive onslaught in the first half. Midfielder Aria Hudetz lofted a pass through the Wildcat defense where Gibbs struck an expert shot from the far left side of the box for the score.

Owning the first half of play, Missouri scored three of its five attempted shots. Feeling the sting of a 3-0 deficit, Arizona returned to the second period with a renewed urgency. Pressuring Mizzou, the Wildcats scored a solitary goal when Mallory Miller slipped a ball through the Missouri goalbox where Vanesha Bailey knocked a goal past keeper Megan Duncan.

Despite the goal, the Tiger defensive line was able to persistently manipulate the Wildcats offensive strategy. Defender Kim Hibbert flanked Arizona scoring leader Candice Wilks. Hibbert's resolute coverage kept Wilks from making a single offensive drive during the game. Likewise, defender Erica Pusch plagued Wildcat assist leader Lauren Winters thwarting each play she attempted to create to keep her to just one shot in 90 minutes.

Aiding in the Tigers' offensive and defensive proficiency, center midfielders Melissa Peabody and Lacy Moore both played notable minutes for the Tigers. Filling the swinging role of Mizzou's attacking defense, the pair aptly controlled ball movement through the midfield providing effective backing to both Mizzou's offensive and defensive strategy.

Anchoring the goalbox, Duncan earned her second victory on the year for a 2-0 record. Upsetting Arizona, Duncan played many inspiring minutes making several impressive saves during the game. Showing her stamina, the keeper fortified Missouri's victory facing five consecutive shot attempts served in from corner kicks during the last three minutes of play. Holding off the Wildcats, she made five saves overall and allowed one goal to earn the victory.

Missouri continues the 2003 season with a road trip. The Tigers take on Mississippi State on Friday, Sept. 12 in Starkville and then travel to Oxford to play Mississippi on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Nike Tiger Invitational All-Tournament Team
GK - Lauren Mason, Purdue
D - Erica Pusch, Missouri
D - Lindsey Peeples, Arizona
D - Kelly Bedient, Arkansas
MF - Kelly Haxton, Purdue
MF - Aria Hudetz, Missouri
MF - Ashley Gibbs, Missouri
F - Kristen Heil, Missouri
F - Jennifer Nobis, Missouri
F - Courtney Coppage, Purdue

MVP - Kristen Heil, Missouri