Women's Soccer Hosts Purdue in NCAA Tournament

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Nov. 6, 2006

MILWAUKEE - For the fifth time in school history, the Marquette women's soccer team will host NCAA first and second round action at Valley Fields. On Friday, November 10, the first round games will consist of Loyola (Ill.) taking on no. 3 seed Florida at 5 p.m. Marquette will host Purdue at 7:30 p.m. in the second game. On Sunday, November 12, the winners of the two first round games will play at 1 p.m.

"We couldn't be any happier than to be selected as an at large team and to be at home," head coach Markus Roeders said. "Playing at home means you get to sleep in your own bed and keep your normal routine. It's a big advantage to play at home."

The Golden Eagles advance to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year and the sixth time in school history. Marquette is coming off a regular season in which it went 11-6-4 and finished second in the American Division of the BIG EAST Marquette advanced to the BIG EAST semifinals where it lost to top-ranked Notre Dame, 2-0. Marquette has won six of its last seven matches and is 9-3-1 in its last 13 games after starting the year 2-3-3.

"Considering where we were halfway through the year, getting to this point is very satisfying," Roeders said. "When you get an at large bid, you are considered one of the best teams in the country."

The Golden Eagles are one of seven BIG EAST teams to advance to the field of 64, a testament to the depth of the league. The BIG EAST tied the ACC with seven teams as the most one conference sent to the post-season tournament.

"With seven teams from the conference, it shows the respect there is for this league," Roeders said. "We've played in one of the toughest leagues in the country, we just played the no. 1 team in the country and held our own, so we have to think that we are capable of playing with anyone."

About the teams playing in the first and second rounds at Valley Fields:

Marquette: The Golden Eagles won 11 games for the 11th consecutive season and are appearing in their sixth NCAA Tournament. Marquette is led by junior forward Allison Mallams, the team leader in scoring with eight goals and 23 points. Mallams was a BIG EAST All-Second Team selection. Junior Laura Boyer has made 62 saves this season and has a 0.82 goals against average. The team has six seniors.

"I'm excited for our seniors to go to the NCAA Tournament because they have worked so hard and helped us earn the bid," Roeders said.

Purdue: The Boilermakers come to Valley Fields for NCAA Tournament action for the second consecutive year. Purdue went 14-5-3 on the year, outscoring their opponents 29-16. Parissa Eyorokon and Jessica Okoroafo each scored eight goals on the year. Goalkeeper Lauren Mason made 94 stops on the year. Marquette owns a 2-0 series lead against the Boilermakers.

"Purdue comes from a very tough conference in the Big Ten, finishing third," Roeders said. "They had a very good year. We expect the same type of competition from them that we saw from our opponents in the BIG EAST."

Florida: The Gators come in to Milwaukee as one 16 seeded teams in the field of 64. Florida is one of four three seeds and finished the year 13-5-4, losing in the SEC championship match. Stacy Bishop led the team during the year with 11 goals. Ameera Abdullah added nine goals pacing the potent Florida offense to a 43-17 advantage in goals. Brittni Goodwin allowed just 15 goals on the year, making 67 stops. Marquette has never met Florida.

"Florida is a very fast team," Roeders said. "We go the chance to see a little of what they can do when we played in the North Carolina tournament. They are a talented team that earned their seed."

Loyola (Ill.): The Ramblers advance to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Horizon League tournament title at Engelmann Field on the campus of Wis.-Milwaukee. Loyola (Ill.) is 14-6-3 on the season and ride a three-game win streak into the NCAA tournament. Cynthia Morote-Ariza is the Ramblers leading scorer at nine goals, nine assists. Mary Dale has eight goals on the year. Emily Peick played every second in goal and made 93 saves. Marquette owns a 3-1 series lead against Loyola.

"Loyola won the Horizon League and had a very good year. They are deserving of an NCAA Tournament bid and will be a tough team to play against," Roeders said.

"All three teams fans travel well, so it should be a good environment" Roeders added. "We are excited to host and can't wait for Friday to play."