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Commodores Look to Extend Winning Streak 9/8/2005 The Vanderbilt women’s soccer team heads down the road to take on MiddleTennesseeState Friday afternoon for a 3:30 pm match up in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
The No. 25 Commodores (3-1-0) are coming off a successful weekend that saw them shut out Francis Marion 9-0 and outlast WashingtonState 1-0 to earn their first national ranking since 1999. Senior Kelci Hegg (Charlotte, N.C.) posted a hat trick and an assist against FMU while senior Meghan Habig (Sheridan, Ind.) put her head on the ball to net the lone goal against WSU.
The defense did its share allowing only nine shots on the weekend. It also contributed to the attack as junior defender Kari Boersma (Littleton, Colo.) scored a goal from 25 yards out and junior defender Monica Buff (Lilburn, Ga.) add two assists and solid, hard work on defense to earn the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
The Blue Raiders (3-1-0) have developed a winning edge on the home turf as evidenced by their 13-game home win streak entering Friday’s contest. Middle Tennessee’s last home loss was a 4-2 setback against Denver, Oct. 17, 2003. Vanderbilt began its current three-game streak with a 2-0 road win at Denver, Aug. 28.
Rebecca Rodriguez has sparked the Blue Raider offense and she has soared to the top of the national rankings with her blistering start to the season. The junior forward from Dallas, Texas is tied for first nationally in points per game (5.00), tied for third in goals per game (2.00), and tied for 11th in assist per game (1.0).
After the MTSU contest, the Commodores will travel to South to take on Alabama-Birmingham on Sunday. Vanderbilt lost both games it played last season in the UAB Tournament, including 2-1 decision to the Blazers. The team will have its chance to avenge that game at 2 pm on Sunday. |
