Aug. 19, 2002

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Coach Heather Nelson and the Southeast Women's Soccer team are home from an 11-day tour of Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada with a record of 3-2. Seventeen returning players faced teams of the Canada West Conference, semi-pro team from the W League, and Under-Nineteen National teams.

The first game was on August 8, against the Australian Under-19 Nationals team. The Otahks were defeated by a final score of 3-1. Redshirt freshman forward Lisa Schweppe scored the only goal for Southeast with an assist from sophomore mid-fielder Michelle Frossard.

"It was a very close game. The team fought hard and goalie Beth Guccione was outstanding," said Coach Heather Nelson. "Beth was so amazing that toward the end of the game the Australian Team was even clapping for her."

Two days later the Otahkians battled the Women's National Champion Burnaby Canadians. Southeast won by default, as the Canadians were unable to field an entire team. Southeast faced Provincial finalist Gorge Soccer Association on August 13 and Gorge defeated SEMO by a score of 2-1. Schweppe scored the only goal. Gorge is the largest soccer organization on Vancouver Island.

The next day Southeast was victorious against the University of Victoria, 2-1. Sophomore forward Diana Poovey was unassisted for the first goal and Junior defender Valerie Henderson was also unassisted for the winning goal.

"It's great to be victorious and to have other girls score some goals," said Nelson.

The following day the team was off and they filled the day with training and adventure. After training with the American Under-19 National team they climbed Grouse Mountain in Vancouver. The entire team and coaches made the 3700-foot climb to the top in an hour and 45 minutes. Schweppe and Poovey, led the team with a time of 58 minutes.

On August 16, Southeast team played its last game in Canada against the University of British Columbia. They won by a score of 3-0. Henderson scored the first goal of the game and was assisted by sophomore mid-fielder Erin Slattery. Senior defender Kori Marchi assisted Frossard for the second goal of the game and Poovey assisted Schweppe's header to end the game.

"I think it was great playing experience for the team," Nelson said. "The trip was a memorable experience for the girls."

The entire trip was funded through private donations.

Southeast will now prepare to face the University of Indiana in the Southeast Labor Day Tournament on August 30.