By Alex Boggis, UT Martin Assistant Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team returned to action on Thursday night by hosting Memphis for the first of three exhibition contests this preseason, finishing the match in a 1-1 tie against the regional opponent.
The Skyhawks looked impressive throughout the match against a strong Tiger squad which was coming off a NCAA Tournament appearance during the spring campaign. Meanwhile, the exhibition contest marked the first taste of collegiate soccer for seven players for the home squad.
UT Martin tallied nine shots along with five on goal in the contest. The pair of Izzy Patterson and Jill Hildreth led the team with two shot attempts each but it was a right-footed strike by Ryann Mushkin in the 41st minute off an assist from Emma Elliott which gave the team a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
UT Martin held tough defensively with the goalkeeper trio of Erica Myers, Annie McGraw and Courtney Turner combining for nine saves. Erica Myers earned the start where she excelled with 45 minutes of shutout action while tallying six saves. Freshman Annie McGraw played over 26 minutes between the posts in the second half, tallying one save while allowing a goal. Senior Courtney Turner also made her Skyhawk debut with two saves in just under 19 minutes.
The Skyhawks held the aggressive Tigers scoreless through the first 65 minutes before their opponent broke through to tie the match off a set piece with a header by Mackenzie Bray off a corner assist by Lydia Herring.
With more exhibitions on the horizon, both teams agreed to no overtime period as the game was tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes of play.
UT Martin will return to action on Saturday, Aug. 7 against Western Kentucky. The contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Skyhawk Field.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information