Sept. 11, 2008

By: Bryce Weymouth, Sport Information Assistant

Cape Girardeau, Mo. – (Friday, September 12, 2008) The Redhawks women’s soccer team will look for their first win of the season as they take on the Cougars of SIU Edwardsville at Houck Stadium with a start time of 7:00 p.m. The Redhawks have dropped their first two games to open the season and are looking for their first victory.

Jessica Beckham (0-2) leads the Redhawks in goal with nine saves this season and a .750 save percentage. Ashley Runion anchors the offense for the Redhawks as she leads the team with seven shots.

Scouting the Cougars

SIU Edwardsville comes into Saturday’s matchup with a 2-3 record after participating in the Hampton Inn Classic hosted by Murray State this past weekend. The Cougars opened first round play against UT Martin and were defeated 4-1. The Cougars then defeated host Murray State 1-0 in overtime.

Offensively the Cougars are led by Kiara Akpore, who leads the team with six points, including three goals. Jennifer Kratzer has also been a big part of the Cougars’ offensive attack with three points, including a goal and assist of her own.

Defensively the Cougars are led by goalie Kaci Backs. Backs has an overall record of 2-2, including one shutout. Backs has allowed five goals to go along with her 13 saves for a .722 save percentage and a goals against average of 1.25.

The Cougars are the newest member of the Ohio Valley Conference as they play their first season as part of the OVC. Derek Burton is in his first year at the helm of SIU Edwardsville and former Redhawks soccer player Alaina Lacopo is in her first year as an assistant coach at SIU Edwardsville. Lacopo is the all-time leader in assists at SEMO.

This is the first of three games this season that will be live on WebCast. The multi-camera WebCast will be presented live at KFVS12.com for no cost.

The Redhawks lead the all-time series against the Cougars, 2-0.