Box Score MEMPHIS, TENN. -- Thursday night the Panthers traveled to Memphis, TN to participate in a Rhodes College two day tournament, Friday afternoon Principia faced the University of Texas-Dallas to start their season. Due to a slow start, UTD scored two quick goals in the first two minutes of the game. After overcoming shell shock, the Panthers regained composure and kept UTD scoreless the rest of the half. The start of the 2nd half showed promise as Principia gained attacking momentum, but their efforts were thwarted by UTD's defense. One opportunity in particular was when senior
Nadine Marczi beat a defender along the left side and crossed the ball far post to find senior
Kenzie Keller who volleyed the ball under the crossbar, but it bounced out of the goal. Although it was a defensive battle, UTD managed to capitalize on three more goals before the game ended, resulting in a 5-0 loss for the Panthers.
After missing a few weeks of practice, it was exciting to see
Gabriela Martin back in the mix. She did a great job in the midfield winning important tackles and dangerously moving the ball into the attacking third. Making their first appearance at the collegiate level were freshmen standouts Emelie Fredrickson,
Emma Dixon,
Clarice Bruch and Sara DeNicholas. As a holding midfielder, Fredrickson was crucial to managing UTD's attacks in the middle as well as being the outlet for the Panthers out of the back. Dixon played center forward where she did a great job acting as the target forward for Principia, working hard and helping to create combination plays. Bruch took one for the team filling in at a new position. While still figuring out center back, she intercepted passes and won important head balls. DeNicholas played right back and though still learning all the nuances of the position, she played the full 90 minutes and worked hard the entire game.
After the game Principia went out to eat at a locally-owned BBQ restaurant called Memphis Central BBQ. The players scarfed down sandwiches, pulled pork, and ribs. They concluded the night with some frozen yogurt at Yolo where the players were star struck at the sighting of actress Lucy Hale. Although none were bold enough to ask for a picture, it did become one of the highlights of the weekend.
