Kind of crazy jump for the Coogs. They went from 0-4 in conference to 3-5 and tied with SMU. A win Thursday would clinch a spot in the conference tourney (top 6 make it).
Unfortunately, two of the teams behind the Coogs (UCONN and Temple) play each other as well which means one of them will probably win and get to 10 points. Even more unfortunate, the Coogs would lose a any tiebreakers if they end up tied with either team so a tie probably wouldn’t work (this includes 3 or 4 way tiebreakers where ECU would be involved as the Coogs goal differential is much lower than any of the other teams). So, barring a tie between UCONN and Temple, the Coogs have to beat SMU on Thursday…a spot they’ve been in for the past 2 years and failed.
Hopefully, this year will be the year they break through.
Houston struck first and got on the board halfway through the opening frame, when Hayley Hubbard sent it straight to the back of the net, inside the 24th minute.
Memphis evened out play before heading into the half, when it scored inside the 38th minute.
The Tigers extended their lead with a pair of goals inside the 53rd and 59th minute.
Memphis scored its final goal inside the 85th minute, to secure the win.
Samantha Cude played every minute in-goal for the Cougars, posting four saves.
Houston tallied three shots and 2 corner kicks on the day.
Houston found the back of the net and got on the board when Desiree Bowen connected with a pass from Nolin Packer, inside the 17th minute.
The Cougars extended their lead and notched their final goal of the match, when Jazmin Grant scored from Desiree Bowen and Nolin Packer, inside the 48th minute.
Jazmin Grant led the team with five shots, followed by Mia Brascia recording four shots and freshman Madison Gear collecting three shots on the day.
Samantha Cude played every minute in-goal for the Cougars, posting a season high nine saves.
Houston tallied 16 shots and three corner kicks on the day.