Rice University
5-3-1
Texas A&M
6-1-1
Owls Fall At Texas A&M, 6-0
9/23/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
View the photo gallery from the game here
COLLEGE STATION, Tex. -- The Texas A&M soccer team showed why it is the No. 4 ranked team in the country, claiming a 6-0 win over visiting Rice Sunday evening before a vocal crowd of 2,381 at the Aggie Soccer Stadium in College Station.
Rice, now 5-3-1 on the season, was held scoreless for the first time in 13 games dating back to last season. Texas A&M improved to 6-1-1 overall.
Aggie senior forwards Melissa Garey and Ashlee Pistorius both had a pair of goals on the night. A&M built a big lead in the first half, scoring four goals on 11 shots. Rice had allowed only one goal in the first half of a game heading into the contest. The Aggies continued to apply the offensive pressure for a pair of unassisted goals in the second half for a 6-0 final.
"A&M did exactly what we're trying to do in all our games, and that is make a statement," Rice head coach Chris Huston said. "They don't play down to anyone's level. They proved why they are the No. 4 team in the nation. We're not there yet.
"I am proud that we played hard and I thought we had a good work-rate," Huston added. "I think if we come back and work this hard and have a high level of intensity in practices and for the remainder of the games the rest of the season we'll be in good shape."
Rice senior Samantha Conn and the team's goal leader, freshman Kate Edwards, both posted shots on goal for the Owls. The Blue & Gray played both freshmen goalkeepers in the contest. The team got a lift with the return of sophomore Kellen Schugart to action after missing the last few weeks with an injury. Five other Owls, including the team's number two career leading scorer Caitlin Robbins, are currently sidelined with injuries and missed the chance to play against the No. 4 team in the country.
"You have to play good teams if you want to get any better," Conn said. "A&M showed us tonight how important finishing is. They got the ball in front of the goal, took shots and put them in. We haven't started conference yet, so it's up to us to learn from tonight and get better."
Rice next hosts Lamar on Friday (Sept. 28). The start time for the match is slated for 7 pm at the Rice Track/Soccer Stadium.
Team Stats
Garey, Melissa (2)
Assisted By: Shipley, Rachel
outside the 18 to left side
7:24
Pistorius, Ashlee (7)
Assisted By: Jones, Elisabeth
pass from right side across the box
21:56
Pistorius, Ashlee (8)
off deflection at left corner of box
37:19
Ketchum, Nicole (2)
Assisted By: Stephens, Micah
header in front of the goal after long p
44:51
Garey, Melissa (3)
off a free kick from outside the 18
69:08
Robinson, Laura G (2)
off breakaway
77:41
