Oct. 11, 2005

Senior co-captains Erica Pusch and Amber Swinehart are in their last horrah as members of the Missouri soccer team. With five games left in the regular season, the two Tigers discuss the tough Big 12 Conference, their teammates and their time as a Tiger.

How did the non-conference schedule prepare the team for Big 12 Conference play?

Pusch: We tried to play good competition. We had three games against Big 10 schools, who were all physical.

How has the team changed from the opening loss to Arizona?

Swinehart: We've grown. The first game we didn't play like we knew we could play. But we stepped up against California and pulled out a hard-fought tie.

Pusch: Our inexperience really showed against Arizona but now our freshman are playing like veterans.

Anywhere from three to five freshman start. As captains, do you feel particular pressure to help them along?

Swinehart: Actually, we all feel the same. We don't see classes.

Pusch: As much as they may look to us for encouragement, we look to them for motivation. They've all grown since the beginning of the season and everyone contributes on the field.

The Big 12 is known for being a physical conference. Is that an emphasis in games?

Swinehart: We thrive on setting the tone of the game. Sometimes that has to be done physically.

Pusch: We have a really good balance of skill and physicality

Can you talk about the play of (sophomore goalie) Laura Buehrig and how she's improved from last year?

Swinehart: Laura is definitely more confident and more settled back there. She helps lead the team really well from the back.

How are conference games different from non-conference games?

Swinehart: When you start Big 12 play, it's a whole new ballgame.

Pusch: /It's a completely different season.

What are your feelings knowing that this is your last season?

Swinehart: It's definitely sad.

Pusch: It's motivation for us. This is it for us so we have to finish strong. The younger girls say they play for us.

What will you miss most about playing for Missouri?

Pusch: My Teammates, I just love them. The coaches, too. They're always 100 percent behind us.

Swinehart: Our teammates. It sounds cliché, but were best friends and sisters.