The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
UMass
Offense Powers Blazers Past Massachusetts, 5-1
9/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 15, 2002
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB women's soccer team (3-2-1) used offense to power themselves past the Minutewomen of Massachusetts (0-5), 5-1 on Sunday. With the win, the Blazers claimed the Nike Classic title after going 2-0 on the weekend. Jenny Rynders was named tournament MVP.
The Blazers struck first on a goal from Melissa Sherrell to Tara Kidwell in the 22nd minute. Twelve minutes later, Kidwell found the back of the net again off a free kick by Briana McCarty. In the 38th minute, the Minutewomen made the score 2-1 on a goal by Adair Blyler. In the second half, UAB scored again on a Jenny Rynders shot off a corner kick from McCarty to make it 3-1. The Blazers never looked back, scoring two more times on shots by Jill Knottek and Cindy Penaranda.
"The nice part is that we were able to get mentally prepared for the game after an emotional win on Friday," said head coach Paul Harbin. "The most exciting thing is that every kid on this team contributed to the effort. A team effort is always great because it makes everyone feel like they are contributing."
In earlier play at the Nike Classic, Georgia (2-4) defeated #9 Michigan, 1-0. It was the Wolverines first loss of the season, they are now 5-1.
UAB next travels to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Friday, September 20, at 7 p.m.
2002 UAB Nike Classic All-Tournament Team Kelly Nigh - GK (Massachusetts) Carolyn Cayard - D (Georgia) Martha Conover - MF (Massachusetts) Ashley King - MF (Georgia) Michele Pesiri - MF (Michigan) Suzanna LaMotte - D (UAB) Abby Crumpton - F (Michigan) Tara Kidwell - F (UAB) Trisha McKee - F (Georgia) Jill Knottek - D (UAB) Tournament MVP: Jenny Rynders - M (UAB)
