Thursday, August 22
Memphis, Tenn.
7 p.m.
University of Memphis
6
vs
0
Little Rock
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Women's soccer blanks Little Rock to open 2019
Aug 22, 2019 | Women's Soccer
Larisey tallies hat trick in offensive surge
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Nearly a 90-minute rain delay was well worth the wait Thursday night on Park Avenue Campus, as Memphis women's soccer turned in a 6-0 victory to begin its 2019 campaign.
The Tiger offense collected all six scores in the first half, led by a hat trick by junior Clarissa Larisey. Sophomore Tanya Boychuk tallied a brace, while senior Serena Dolan also added a score.
"Winning is not easy. We've got a young, new squad. We challenged them to take it one half at a time," head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "It wasn't perfect, but six goals in the first half was fantastic."
Senior Stasia Mallin, junior Lisa Pechersky and freshman Mya Jones each tallied a pair of assists.
Boychuk began the scoring 10 minutes into the contest, while a Dolan's loose-ball score from outside the box five minutes later increased the Tiger advantage.
With Memphis holding a 2-0 lead through the first 30 minutes, Larisey collected her natural hat trick, which spanned 3:26, to provide Memphis with a 5-0 cushion. Her trio of goals is the first hat trick in program history since Christabel Oduro scored four times against Houston in 2013.
"I thought we did really well. We were switching the ball and showing for the ball and talking," Larisey said. "I thought we played well today. It's confidence and we need that."
Boychuk then added her second goal of the evening in the 40th minute on a cross from Jones to seal the scoring.
Defensively, the Memphis backline limited its opponent to three shots throughout the match with one on goal. Junior Elizabeth Moberg registered the victory after shutting out the first 45 minutes. Senior Rachel Ashworth Shepard preserved the clean sheet in the second half while collecting the team's lone save.
Seven Tigers also made their collegiate debuts, including all six freshmen field players. The group tallied 265 minutes to gain key experience early in the season.
"It's great. They all put in hard work," Monaghan said of the underclassmen. "Sometimes it's tough as a coach because you have to pick and choose who you play, and that's not always your whole squad. It's a great opportunity for these kids. Those are special moments and it's important to take advantage of them."
Memphis will return to action Sunday evening. The Tigers host Ole Miss in its annual derby. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
The Tiger offense collected all six scores in the first half, led by a hat trick by junior Clarissa Larisey. Sophomore Tanya Boychuk tallied a brace, while senior Serena Dolan also added a score.
"Winning is not easy. We've got a young, new squad. We challenged them to take it one half at a time," head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "It wasn't perfect, but six goals in the first half was fantastic."
Senior Stasia Mallin, junior Lisa Pechersky and freshman Mya Jones each tallied a pair of assists.
Boychuk began the scoring 10 minutes into the contest, while a Dolan's loose-ball score from outside the box five minutes later increased the Tiger advantage.
With Memphis holding a 2-0 lead through the first 30 minutes, Larisey collected her natural hat trick, which spanned 3:26, to provide Memphis with a 5-0 cushion. Her trio of goals is the first hat trick in program history since Christabel Oduro scored four times against Houston in 2013.
"I thought we did really well. We were switching the ball and showing for the ball and talking," Larisey said. "I thought we played well today. It's confidence and we need that."
Boychuk then added her second goal of the evening in the 40th minute on a cross from Jones to seal the scoring.
Defensively, the Memphis backline limited its opponent to three shots throughout the match with one on goal. Junior Elizabeth Moberg registered the victory after shutting out the first 45 minutes. Senior Rachel Ashworth Shepard preserved the clean sheet in the second half while collecting the team's lone save.
Seven Tigers also made their collegiate debuts, including all six freshmen field players. The group tallied 265 minutes to gain key experience early in the season.
"It's great. They all put in hard work," Monaghan said of the underclassmen. "Sometimes it's tough as a coach because you have to pick and choose who you play, and that's not always your whole squad. It's a great opportunity for these kids. Those are special moments and it's important to take advantage of them."
Memphis will return to action Sunday evening. The Tigers host Ole Miss in its annual derby. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.