Tonight the Bearcats (4-1-3) welcomed in Memphis (4-3-2) to Gettler Stadium as they kick off conference play after a week and half hiatus. The Bearcats will be led by Vanessa DiNardo who is coming off a week where she was named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll after scoring three goals in the Bearcats last two matches. The Bearcats come in first in the AAC in goals per game with 1.88, and third in goals (15), and 3rd in points (40).
Starting 11 for the Bearcats- Megan Smith, Vanessa DiNardo, Brandi Thomsen, Lauren Bastain, Ashley Barron, Maddy Thiss, Taylor Nuncio, Kendal Battle Ellie Flower, Emma Schmelzer, Anna Rexford.
Starting 11 for the Tigers- Grace Stordy, Payton Felton, Mackenzie Bray, Momo Nakao, Mya Jones, Saorla Miller, Jocelyn Alonzo, Kimberley Smit, Haylee Spray, Eef Kerkhof, Claire Wyville.
The Bearcats came out firing as they saw an early opportunity as Vanessa DiNardo had a great look on the goal, but Claire Wyville made a great save early. The Tigers however put their foot on the gas as they found the back of the net in the second minute after a flurry of shots in the 6 yard box where forward Saorla Miller would connect off the rebound and find the back of the net to give the Tigers an early 1-0 lead. Miller was named the AAC Preseason Player of the Year heading into the season and showed her presence early here tonight.
The Bearcats knew they would have to capitalize on their opportunities as Memphis was looking to push the ball down the pitch early as they were looking to find a way to force the Bearcats defense led by Ashley Barron to make some early adjustments after a quick goal by the Tigers. The Bearcats though saw some opportunities early as Vanessa DiNardo had three shots on goal as DiNardo was close to tying this one up early, but her last shot was just a bit high from about 18 yards out, but the Bearcats were matching the Tigers intensity early as both teams knew this would be a physical match coming into this one here tonight at Gettler Stadium.
