Sept. 3, 2004

Columbia, Mo.--Despite a second half rally seeing tremendous play from all areas of the Mizzou lineup, the Tigers were unable to overpower Wisconsin in their first match of the Nike Tiger Invitational. The Badgers defeated Mizzou 2-1 dropping the Tiger's season record to 1-2. Wisconsin opened the game strong scoring a pair of goals during the first half of play. Although Mizzou outshot the Badgers nine-to-four in the period, Wisconsin took three of its four shots to the net. Freshman goalkeeper Laura Buehrig made one save in the half, while giving up two goals. Remerging from intermission, a different Mizzou team took the field. Changing up the Missouri dynamic, defenders Karen Bauer and Elyse Nikonchuk made the transition into the midfield, while Lacy Moore switched to the defensive line. The rotation rejuvenated Mizzou allowing the Tigers to settle into a dominating rhythm. Stepping up, the Mizzou defensive line of Moore, Erica Pusch, Ashley Gibbs and Lauren Grice shut down the Badger offense for the majority of the second half. Wisconsin was only able to take four shots in the remaining 45 minutes and only ripped one shot on goal. In the meantime, the stability created by a strong defensive showing provided leverage for the Tiger offense to find its groove. Kristen Heil and Amber Swinehart paired to make a ferocious play making duo. Receiving assistance from Heil, Swinehart challenged Badger goalkeeper Lynn Murray with three tense attempts. Although unsuccessful, her efforts rallied the Mizzou energy. The Tigers also saw tremendous play by sophomore Meggie Malm. After starting the season on the forward line, Malm played a commanding role thwarting the Badgers through the midfield. Keeping to their distinctive standard, the Tigers refused to succumb to the 2-0 deficit. Mizzou ferociously persisted through the remaining half outshooting Wisconsin 10-to-4, including seven shots on goal. The team's determination paid off late in the game when junior Jennifer Nobis put in the Tigers' lone goal with just over two minutes remaining. A cross by Nikonchuk struck a Badger defender inside the Wisconsin goal box where Nobis collected the deflection to score unassisted. The goal is her third on the year bringing her season scoring streak to three consecutive games. The Nike Tiger Invitational rounds out the weekend with two final matches on Sun., Sept. 5. Swapping opponents, Baylor faces Wisconsin at 11:00 a.m., while Missouri matches-up against Iowa in a game at 1:30 p.m.