SMU W-Soccer Ties Memphis

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DALLAS (SMU) – Kenzie Scovill scored her team-leading ninth goal of the season against Memphis on Sunday afternoon, but a hard-fought game led to a tough 1-1 draw at Westcott Field.

The result was enough for the Mustangs (8-6-4, 4-2-4 C-USA) to clinch a spot in the Conference USA Tournament, which begins Oct. 31. Memphis (9-7-1, 5-4-1 C-USA) also secured a berth in the postseason.

SMU and Memphis went into halftime tied, but the home team held a 7-2 edge in shots. Memphis came out of the break and quickly took the lead. Conference-leading scorer Christabel Oduro collected the ball on a run to the box and crossed the ball to the opposite post, where Christi Padgett redirected the ball off the near post.

Scovill promptly brought the Mustangs back, scoring off a corner kick by Mallory Baum. Scovill went low for a header by the near post that went just past the outstretched arms of Memphis goalkeeper Christa Strickland.

The Mustangs had another terrific offensive effort, outshooting Memphis 27-10, including 7-0 in overtime. SMU also held the edge in corner kick opportunities, 10-2.

“I thought we played well,” Head Coach Chris Petrucelli said. “We’d like to have won, and we’re a little disappointed that we didn’t. Memphis is a good team, and they made it difficult for us.”

Before the contest, the team’s five graduating seniors, including Scovill, Baum, Ryanne Lewis, Shelby Hartweck and Meg Stewart, were all celebrated for their careers at SMU. The players also wore pink jerseys that were sold at a silent auction during pre-game through halftime to raise money for Relay For Life and breast cancer research. $1,104 was raised through the event.

SMU will travel to Tulsa for its last regular season game on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.