Box Score (.pdf)
MARTIN, Tenn. - Despite taking a lead just one minute into the game, WKU suffered a 2-1 setback to UT-Martin in the exhibition opener for both teams and the first ever night game at Skyhawk Field on the UT-Martin campus.
"They showed why they are defending champions of the OVC (Ohio Valley Conference)," head coach Jason Neidell said. "I am sure they are going to go on and have a great season. They were well organized and a tough opponent tonight for us."
The Lady Toppers found the back of the net on their first shot attempt of the exhibition season, just 1:18 into the game. Senior Courtney Rymer (Nashville, Tenn.) connected on a shot from 18 yards out at the top of the box off a pass from freshman Lauren Moats (Nixa, Mo.).
"I am not sure if (the quick goal) helped us or hurt us," said Neidell. "Sometimes you get an early goal and you lose concentration. It was great to see us get on the board like that, but it was all for not tonight."
The Skyhawks responded in the 34th minute when sophomore Ashley Reveiz connected on a shot from 15 yards out after an entry from the right flank by junior Mary Thompson. It was the only shot on goal of the first half by UT-Martin.
The Skyhawks later found the goal and the lead when senior Alyssa Curtis dribbled in on the left side and sailed a shot from 10 yards out into the right side of the goal past freshman Nikki Hall (Hamilton, Ohio) in the 58th minute.
After losing decorated goalkeeper and four-year starter Libby Stout to graduation, the Lady Toppers used a pair of keepers with junior Katlyn Barnes (Wheaton, Ill.) holding guard in the opening half and Hall taking over in the second half. Barnes faced just one shot on goal while Hall had four saves in the contest.
"I thought we were probably a bit further along (overall) than we are, but thats why you have preseason," said Neidell. "That's what preseason is all about. We had a tough time with the field spatially tonight partly because we haven't gone 11 vs. 11 because we haven't had the numbers (in practice). We've gone eight versus eight at most. Spatially, we were just not in the places we needed to be."
WKU Soccer returns to the field on Sunday when the Lady Toppers face the Lady Tigers of Memphis at Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. CT. The Lady Tigers are ranked 14th nationally in the preseason NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division I Women's Top 25 released on Aug. 7, 2012.
The Lady Toppers head back to Bowling Green to begin the regular season on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012 when WKU plays host to Evansville. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. at the WKU Soccer Complex. Single game tickets are available through the WKU Ticket Office by calling 270-745-5222 or 1-800-5-BIG-RED. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.wkusports.com. In addition, a game ticket package with nine vouchers that can be used for any game during the 2012 season are available for just $25 through the ticket office.
For complete coverage of WKU Soccer, visit the official website of WKU Athletics at www.wkusports.com.
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