Women's Soccer Prepped For NCAA Tournament
11/14/2007 12:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
This Week - Creighton will make its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in school history when the Bluejays face No. 9 Southern California in a first round matchup Friday afternoon in Columbia, Mo. The winner will face either Missouri or Southeast Missouri State on Sunday.
Follow Along - Live stats for the match will be available by accessing the Creighton athletics website, gocreighton.com, and clicking on the “Live Stats” link under the Multimedia tab on the left side of the homepage.
MVC Tournament Recap - Creighton avenged regular season losses to Evansville and Illinois State to capture the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship last weekend in Evansville, Ind. The Bluejays defeated Evansville, 3-1, in Friday's semifinals behind a hat trick from junior Marcy Gans. Sunday's final against regular season champ Illinois State ended in a 1-1 tie after sophomore reserve Kyla Hoskins scored her first goal of the season in the 87th minute to force overtime, eventually leading to penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Kristen Casey made two crucial saves and senior Tristan Moser-Bleil converted on the fifth and final penalty kick to give CU the tournament title with a 4-3 shootout victory.
Scouting Creighton (11-7-2) - The Bluejays bring plenty of experience into Friday's NCAA Tournament match, as nine players on the roster have combined for 13 games of NCAA experience. Seniors Sam Russell, Katy Peetz, Toch Ihemelu and Tristan Moser-Bleil will be playing in their third NCAA Tournament match.
Junior Marcy Gans is Creighton's most dangerous offensive weapon, leading all MVC players (men and women) with 13 goals, 29 points, 76 shots and six game-winning goals. Goalkeeper Kristen Casey led the MVC with seven shutouts and ranked third with a 1.03 GAA.
Scouting USC (14-3-2) - The ninth-ranked Trojans finished the regular season with a 14-3-2 record, including a second-place finish in the Pac-10 Conference with a 6-2-1 mark. USC enters the tournament on a losing note after falling 2-1 at Washington State on Sunday in its regular season finale. USC's other losses are to Indiana and then-No. 1 UCLA.
USC has outscored its opponents, 37-12, led by junior Amy Rodriguez's seven goals. Three other Trojans have netted five or more goals. Freshman Ashli Sandoval leads USC and is tied for the Pac-10 lead with eight assists. Sophomore goalkeeper Kristin Olsen has recorded a 0.62 GAA, allowing only 12 goals in 19 starts. She has posted seven shutouts and 52 saves.
Series History - Creighton and USC have never met in women's soccer. The Bluejays are 0-6 all-time against Pac-10 schools, including losses to Arizona and Arizona State this season, and 3-9-0 all-time against teams from California after a 2-0 setback to San Diego State on Sept. 7.
NCAA Tournament History - Creighton is 0-3 in its three NCAA Tournament appearances and will look to become the first MVC school to win a tournament game:
Nov. 11, 2005: Nebraska 1, Creighton 0 (Lincoln, Neb.)
Nov. 12, 2004: Kansas 3, Creighton 1 (Lawrence, Kan.)
Nov. 15, 2002: Santa Clara 5, Creighton 1 (Santa Clara, Calif.)
Common Opponents - Creighton and USC have three common opponents in 2007: Weber State, Arizona and Arizona State. Here are the results of the meetings:
Sept. 23: CU 2, Weber St. 1 (Omaha, Neb.) Aug. 31: USC 5, Weber St. 1 (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Sept. 28: Arizona 2, CU 0 (Tucson, Ariz.) Nov. 2: USC 3, Arizona 1 (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Sept. 30: Arizona St. 4, CU 0 (Tempe, Ariz.) Nov. 4: USC 1, Arizona St. 0 (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Bluejay Boss - Head coach Bruce Erickson is in his ninth season as the Creighton women's soccer coach and has a 92-75-18 (.546) record with the Jays. Erickson is the winningest coach in school history and was the 2002 Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He has guided Creighton to all four of its NCAA Tournament appearances after winning MVC Tournament championships in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007. In 2002, the Jays won both the regular season and tournament championships. Creighton has qualified for the MVC Tournament in nine straight seasons, and reached the championship match in five of the past six years. Erickson has a 32-18-7 (.623) record in conference matches at Creighton and is 13-4-2 in the MVC Tournament with four titles in the past six years.
National Recognition - Junior Marcy Gans was one of 11 players selected to the Soccer America Women's National Team of the Week for her performance in last week's MVC Tournament. It is believed to be the first time a Bluejay player has earned such recognition.
All-Tournament Team - Gans was named the MVC Tournament MVP after scoring 11 points in the Jays' three tournament games. Gans assisted on Kyla Hoskins' goal in the championship, notched a hat trick in CU's 3-1 semifinal win over Evansville, and scored both goals in the 2-0 first round win over Northern Iowa. Gans, who was also the MVP in 2005 as a freshman, is the first two-time tourney MVP in Valley history. She was joined on the MVC all-tournament team by Hoskins, junior goalkeeper Kristen Casey and sophomore defender Eden Hingwing.
Making MVC History - Gans recorded only the third hat trick in MVC Tournament history and 12th in school history with her three goals against Evansville in the semifinals. With 11 points and five goals in CU's three games, Gans set single-tournament records in both categories. She is one of only six players in Valley history to make three all-tourney teams.
Five Named All-MVC - Midfielder Emily Orbell was named the MVC Freshman of the Year, as she led all Valley rookies with 15 points on six goals and three assists. Orbell was also a second-team all-MVC pick, one of five Creighton players honored by the league. Junior Marcy Gans and senior Sam Russell were selected to the all-MVC first team, while junior Kristen Casey and redshirt freshman Tara Bailey earned honorable mention accolades.
Academic Accolades - Seniors Sam Russell and Heather Duncan and junior Marcy Gans were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VII women's soccer team on Nov. 1. Russell and Gans were selected to the first team, while Duncan was a second-team selection, as voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Russell was also named the MVC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Week on Nov. 7.
Record Watch - Senior Sam Russell is one assist shy of fifth on CU's career assists list, with 17 helpers in her career... Junior Marcy Gans needs one goal to move into sole possession of fourth in career goals at CU, she currently has 23... Gans' 57 career points are three away from a tie for fifth all-time... GK Kristen Casey is one victory away from tying for second in single-season goalkeeper wins, with 11 so far in 2007... Casey's seven shutouts this year are one shy of second in a single season at Creighton... Casey will break the single-season record for goalkeeper playing time with 63 or more minutes against USC.
Marcy's Playground - Junior forward Marcy Gans has been the catalyst for the Creighton offense, as she leads the team and the MVC with 13 goals, 29 points, 76 shots and six game-winning goals. She has scored a point in 10 of CU's 11 victories and has at least one goal in nine of the wins. Named to the first team all-MVC last week, Gans accounts for over 25 percent of the team's total output in points, goals and shots. The Raymore, Mo., native is one of only six players in Valley history to be a three-time MVC All-Tournament team pick and the only player to earn two tourney MVPs. Also a standout in the classroom, she was named to the CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII first team on Nov. 1.
KC Masterpiece - Junior goalkeeper Kristen Casey earned MVC All-Tournament team honors after making six saves in regulation and two great penalty kicks saves during the title game shootout against Illinois State, helping Creighton to the championship. The Omaha native led the MVC with seven shutouts, including six at Morrison Stadium where she broke seven facility records during the season. Since conference play began on Oct. 5, Casey has lowered her goals against average from 1.40 to 1.02.
Better To Give - After scoring 11 goals in her career, including tallies against North Dakota State and Indiana State earlier this year, Toch Ihemelu has recorded her first four career assists all in the last six games. Ihemelu assisted on goals in all three MVC Tournament games and three of her team-high four helpers have been on game-winning goals.
Two-Goal Advantage - With its 3-1 win over Evansville in the MVC Tournament semifinals, Creighton is now 165-9-7 all-time when scoring two or more goals in a match.
Seniority Rules - Creighton's six seniors have combined to play in 421 matches during their careers, with 250 starts. Tristan Moser-Bleil, Heather Duncan, Ally Peetz, Katy Peetz, and Sam Russell each have started at least 35 matches and Toch Ihemelu has played in 75 contests. Ihemelu led the Jays in scoring last season with 10 points on five goals and is the team leader in assists this season with four. Since the class' arrival four years ago, CU has posted a 41-29-11 (.574) record, won three MVC Tournament titles and advanced to three NCAA Tournaments.
Familiar Faces - Seniors Tristan Moser-Bleil and Sam Russell each have played in 80 career matches, which is one shy of the school record. Russell would also tie the school record for career starts (77) with a starting assignment against USC.
The Newcomers - The Jays have five newcomers in 2007: D Brittni Deeb, M/F Grace Kwon, M Emily Orbell, M/F Claire Zach, and M Mary Zapapas. So far this season, the newcomers have combined to play in 58 matches, with 37 starting assignments. Orbell has turned in a stellar rookie season, netting conference freshman of the year laurels as she led all Valley freshmen with 15 points on six goals and three assists. Deeb has made nine starts on the backline, Zapapas has six starts and Kwon has been in the starting lineup twice. Zach picked up her first career point with an assist on CU's final goal against Indiana State (10/19).
Seeing Double - Senior twins Ally and Katy Peetz have combined to start 79 matches in their careers and the duo has appeared in a total of 139. Younger sister, Anne Peetz, is a sophomore on the team and has appeared in 24 matches in her career. Anne also has a twin, Carly, who plays soccer at the University of Nebraska.
Lineup Flexibility - Exactly half of the players on the Creighton roster are listed at multiple positions, giving head coach Bruce Erickson the ability to mix and match lineups for various situations. This strategy has been critical for developing team depth at each position.
International Experience - Three members of the women's soccer program have represented their countries on the field. Sophomore Eden Hingwing played with the Canadian National Team last fall at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championships in Russia. First-year assistant coach Ileana Moschos was a goalkeeper for the Greek Women's National Team from 2002-04 and participated in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Volunteer assistant coach and former CU player Ivonne Valentin began playing with the Puerto Rican National Team earlier this fall, and scored a goal against the Cayman Islands on Oct. 24 in Olympic Qualification. Valentin will has returned to be with the team for the MVC and NCAA Tournaments, but will again leave for Puerto Rico next week for two more contests.
Updated 2007 Creighton Player Bios
#0 Kristen Casey - Junior goalkeeper has played every minute in goal for Creighton, totaling 1840 minutes, 63 shy of the single-season school record... Voted to MVC All-Tournament team... Named all-MVC Honorable Mention... Made two crucial penalty kick saves during MVC championship game shootout... Led the MVC with seven shutouts, with six coming at home... Third in MVC with a 1.02 goals-against average... Has lowered GAA from 1.40 to 1.02 since the beginning of conference play on Oct. 5... Posted career-high nine saves in loss to Illinois State (Oct. 14)... Her 76 saves on the season are tied for fourth in the MVC... Has nine games of five or more saves... Posted a 0.80 goals-against average during MVC play... In the last 10 games (since Oct. 5 vs. Missouri State) she has six wins, four shutouts, and a 0.67 goals against average... Her 11 victories in 2007 are tied for third-most for a goalkeeper in a single-season at CU and one away from second place... Seven shutouts are one shy of second in a single season at CU... Moved into fifth on school's career shutouts list with blanking of Indiana State (Oct. 19) and now has 13 in her career... With six saves against Evansville (Oct. 26), she jumped into fifth on the CU career saves charts and now has 153 career stops... Has played in 3,517 minutes in goal during her career, fifth-most in school history... Currently ranks second all-time at CU with a 1.07 career goals-against average... Set Morrison Stadium career records for shutouts (11) and saves (62) during the season... Broke Morrison Stadium single-season records with six shutouts and seven victories... Has 18-13-6 career record... Became first female to score a point in Nebraska Class A football history as a kicker at Westside High.
#2 Ally Peetz - Lincoln native has played in 18 of the 20 matches and made seven starts during her senior season... Started in NCAA Tournament match against Nebraska in 2005 as sophomore... Appeared in 76 contests in her career, with 43 starts... Started the last seven games, including all three MVC Tournament contests, after coming off the bench to begin the year... Played season-high 102 minutes in MVC Tournament championship game... Has two career assists, both coming as a sophomore when she started all 21 matches in CU's run to the MVC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament... Defender has helped the Jays post seven shutouts this season... Twin sister of senior midfielder Katy Peetz and older sister of sophomore Anne Peetz.
#3 Claire Zach - Freshman has seen action in five contests, including a season-high 32 minutes in the regular season finale against Northern Iowa (Oct. 28)... Assisted on Toch Ihemelu's goal in 4-0 win over Indiana State (Oct. 19) for first career point... Recorded four shots on the season, two each in wins over Weber State (Sept. 23) and Northern Iowa... Last name pronounced ZOCK (like rock).
#4 Heather Duncan - Senior has started all 20 games and appeared in more minutes (1,794) than any player except goalkeeper Kristen Casey... Voted to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VII Second Team on Nov. 1... Maintains a 3.70 grade point average in exercise science... Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 29 after helping to hold Northern Iowa to five shots in the regular season finale (Oct. 28)... Splits time between backline and midfield... Has played every minute in 16 matches this season, including both double overtime ties... Been on the field for all but 46 minutes this season... Assisted on the game-winning goal in 2-1 decision over South Dakota State (Sept. 16) for only point of the season... Fired 19 shots in 2007, with six directed on goal... Had season-high four shots on Senior Day against Northern Iowa (Oct. 28)... Earned all-MVC honorable mention last season in first year as a starter... Has played in 47 matches in her career, making 32 starts... Scored only career goal as a junior against Grambling, the game winner... Has three career assists, one in each of the past three seasons... Played in 2004 NCAA Tournament match against Kansas... One of three players from Omaha and seven from Nebraska on the team.
#5 Nicole Delue - Versatile junior has the ability to play all three positions, but typically sees time on the backline and midfield... One of six players on team to start all 20 matches... Assisted on Marcy Gans' game-winning goal in the season opener against Northern Colorado (Aug. 31)... Added an assist in victory over South Dakota (Sept. 11)... Attempted 16 shots this season, with seven on goal... Played entire 90 minutes in six contests and is one of eight players to log 1,400-plus minutes... Has started 45 games in her first three seasons and played in a total of 60... Accumulated 10 career points... Saw playing time in 2005 NCAA Tournament against Nebraska... Scored a goal as a freshman and two last season as a sophomore... Had one assist in each of her first two seasons to total four in her career... Last name pronounced duh-LOO.
#6 Sam Russell - Four-year starter on the backline for Creighton, totaling 76 starts in her career, most among active players and one shy of the school record... Earned all-MVC First Team accolades... Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 5... Honored as MVC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Week on Nov. 7... Voted to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VII First Team on Nov. 1... Maintains a 3.78 grade point average in nursing... Appeared in 80 career matches, one shy of the school record... Started all 20 matches this season and is fourth on the team with five points... Tied for second on the team with three assists... Scored the game-winning goal against South Dakota (Sept. 11) for second career goal... Has played every minute of 10 contests this season, including season-high 110 in overtime draw against Missouri State (Oct. 5)... Her 17 career assists are one shy of fifth on CU's all-time charts... Thirteen of her 17 assists have come at Morrison Stadium, second-most in the facility's history... Had two assists as a freshman, eight as a sophomore and four as a junior... Attempted 41 shots in her career, with 11 this season including six on goal... Named all-MVC honorable mention in 2005 as a sophomore after starting 20 games during CU's run to the MVC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament... Earned MVC Scholar Athlete honorable mention last season... Started in NCAA Tournament matches against Kansas in 2004 and Nebraska in 2005... In her fifth year with the program after sitting out the 2003 season as a redshirt after ACL surgery... Takes flip throw-ins on Creighton's offensive end.
#7 Marcy Gans - Junior forward is Creighton's most potent offensive threat... First Team All-MVC... Named MVC Tournament MVP after scoring 11 points and five goals in three games... First player in Valley history to be named tourney MVP twice (also as a freshman in 2005)... Tallied third hat tick in MVC Tournament history in 3-1 semifinal win over Evansville... Scored both goals in CU's 2-0 victory over Northern Iowa in the first round (Nov. 4)... Voted to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VII First Team on Nov. 1... Maintains a 3.51 grade point average in exercise science/pre-med... Starter in all 20 games this season... Led the MVC with 13 goals, 29 points, 76 shots and six game-winning goals... Has scored a point in 10 of Creighton's 11 victories this season, including at least one goal in nine of the wins... Has nine goals in the team's last nine games... Creighton active leader with 23 goals, eight game-winning goals, 57 points, 174 shots and 85 shots on goal in her career... Registered three game winners in the team's first six matches... Scored a goal in four consecutive matches (Oct. 11 through Oct. 21)... Accounts for over 25 percent of the team's total output in points, goals, and shots... Registered more game-winning goals (3) in the first six matches than she had in her first two seasons combined (2)... The 10 points Gans scored in the first eight contests matched Toch Ihemelu's team-leading point total from last season... One of five players on the team to play 1,550-plus minutes... Holds Morrison Stadium career records for goals (13), points (31), shots (110) and shots on goal (50)... Holds single-season stadium marks with six goals (2007), 14 points (2007), 47 shots (2007) and 18 shots on goal (2006 & 2007)... Named all-MVC honorable mention as a freshman and sophomore... Started as a freshman in 2005 NCAA Tournament match against Nebraska.
#8 Mary Zapapas - Sophomore transfer from Middle Tennessee has appeared in 14 contests, with six starts... Has recorded six shots, with four on goal... Had season-high two shots in win at South Dakota State (Sept. 16) in her first start... Played season-high 74 minutes against Weber State (Sept. 23) and was on the field for 72 minutes against Iowa (Sept. 21), both starts... Named Sun Belt Freshman of the Year last season at Middle Tennessee, where she scored 11 goals and added four assists... Voted to Soccer Buzz National All-Freshman Team... Started all 21 matches and had five game-winning goals at MTSU as a rookie.
#9 Brittni Deeb - Freshman defender started nine of the first 11 matches before injuring shoulder against Missouri State (Oct. 5) and has not appeared since... Will be available for NCAA Tournament... Attempted only shot of season against South Dakota State (Sept. 16)... One of two freshmen in the starting lineup in the season opener... Team has four shutouts when Deeb has played.
#10 Jordan Bruch - Sophomore forward has appeared in 19 of the team's 20 matches, including all three MVC Tournament games... Has 11 shot attempts on the season, including two in both meetings with Northern Iowa... Played season-high 49 minutes at Arizona State (Sept. 30) and at Evansville (Oct. 26)... Named to the MVC All-Freshman Team last season after scoring a goal and adding two assists... Led Bluejay freshman with 27 shots in 2006... Played at nearby Papillion-La Vista High School... Last name pronounced BRUCK.
#11 Katy Peetz - Senior started first four games of the season before suffering an ankle injury in pre-game warm-ups against North Dakota State (Sept. 14)... Returned off the bench against Indiana State on Oct. 19 after missing nine matches... Started fifth match of the season on Senior Day against Northern Iowa (Oct. 28)... Assisted on game-winning goals against Stephen F. Austin (Sept. 2) and South Dakota (Sept. 11)... Has 12 shot attempts this season, including career-high five in regular season finale against Northern Iowa... Has appeared in 63 matches during her career, with 36 starting assignments... Notched seven goals and four assists for 18 career points... Scored six goals as a sophomore, including a team-high four game winners... Named MVP of the 2005 Bluejay Classic and MVC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring goals in back-to-back games... Voted to the 2005 MVC All-Tournament team after scoring the winning goal with 11 seconds left in the semifinals against Evansville... Started in NCAA Tournament games against Kansas in 2004 and Nebraska in 2005... Last season, she was named MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week after scoring her only goal of the season against Kansas, the game winner... Twin sister of senior defender Ally Peetz and older sister of sophomore Anne Peetz.
#12 Tristan Moser-Bleil - Senior midfielder has played in 80 matches throughout her career, one shy of the school record... Converted on fifth and final penalty kick in MVC championship game shootout to send Creighton to the NCAA Tournament... Has made 45 career starts, including eight this season... Has appeared in 19 of the 20 contests in 2007 and has attempted nine shots, with four directed on goal... Picked up first point of the season with an assist on CU's second goal in the 2-0 win over Northern Iowa in the MVC Tournament's first round (Nov. 4)... Logged a season-high 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Drake (Oct. 11)... Has played in two NCAA Tournament games, including a starting role against Kansas in 2004... Recorded two goals and three assists as a sophomore in 21 games played... Voted to the MVC All-Freshman Team in 2004 after starting 20 matches and scoring five points on a goal and two assists... Selected to the 2004 MVC All-Tournament team as the Jays won their first of two straight conference tournament titles... Has 14 career points on three goals and eight assists... Has attempted 48 shots, with 21 on goal, during her career. Last name pronounced MO-zer BLY-el.
#14 Lindsay Vaught - Junior started the first 12 games of the year before breaking arm against Drake (Oct. 11), ending her season... Scored a goal against South Dakota State (Sept. 16) and had two assists for four points during the season... Played the entire match in four of her starts, including a season-high 110 minutes against Missouri State (Oct. 5)... Attempted 18 shots, with nine directed on goal... Fired season-high five shots against North Dakota State (Sept. 14)... Also limited to 11 matches and five starts last season due to injury, but scored three goals in limited action... Scored four goals and added five assists in 2005 to earn MVC All-Freshman accolades... Ranked third on the team in goals and points as a freshman... For her career, Vaught has played in 44 matches, including 28 starting assignments... Totaled eight goals and seven assists for 23 career points, third-most among active players... Has attempted 61 career shots, with 29 directed on goal... Played in 2005 NCAA Tournament match against Nebraska as a freshman.
#15 Emily Orbell - Midfielder was named MVC Freshman of the Year, the second player to earn the honor in school history... Also voted second team all-MVC... Has started every match this season and is second on the team in goals (6), points (15), and game-winning goals (2)... Tied for fifth in MVC with her two game winners, eighth with six goals, and seventh with 15 points... Scored both CU goals in a 2-1 win over Northern Iowa in the regular season finale (Oct. 28), becoming the team's first multi-goal scorer in a game this season... Scored a goal in her first collegiate match against Northern Colorado in the season opener (Aug. 31)... Notched game-winning goal against Weber State (Sept. 23) and also added goals against North Dakota State (Sept. 14) and Indiana State (Oct. 19)... Tied for second on the team with three assists... One of four Jays to convert a penalty kick during MVC Championship game shootout... Assisted on Marcy Gans' third goal in MVC Tournament semifinals... Assisted on game-winning goals against Drake (Oct. 11) and Western Illinois (Oct. 21)... Attempted season-high four shots in first meeting with Northern Iowa (Oct. 28)... Has played every minute in six contests and has been on the field for 1,525 minutes overall.
#16 Kyla Hoskins - Sophomore scored game-tying goal in the 87th minute of the MVC Tournament final, forcing game into overtime... Subbed into the game in 82nd minute and scored first goal of the season on only her second shot attempt in 2007... Named to MVC All-Tournament team for her heroics... Has made two starts and played in 16 contests... Recorded first career assist in CU's 4-0 win over Indiana State (Oct. 19)... Played season-high 80 minutes in start against Illinois State (Oct. 14)... Also started in the Jays' 2-1 win at Drake (Oct. 11)... Saw time in 12 games last season as a freshman, scoring the game-winning goal against UC-Riverside for her only points.
#17 Anne Peetz - Sophomore reserve has played in 11 contests... Midfielder picked up an assist against South Dakota (Sept. 11) for her only scoring of the season... Attempted four shots in 2007, including two against Western Illinois (Oct. 21)... Played season-high 27 minutes at Illinois State (Oct.14)... Scored six points on two goals and two assists last season as a freshman... Started seven contests and appeared in 13 as a rookie, accumulating 23 shots with seven on goal... Younger sister of seniors Ally and Katy Peetz... Twin sister, Carly is a sophomore on the Nebraska soccer team... First name pronounced ANN-ee.
#18 Eden Hingwing - Sophomore has played in all 20 matches, starting 19 of them... Named to the MVC All-Tournament team for her defensive play in CU's tournament championship run... Has logged the third-most playing time on the team with 1,650 minutes played... Splits time between the backline and midfield... Has helped CU defense post seven shutouts... Scored her first career goal for the game-winning tally against Indiana State (Oct. 19)... Picked up an assist against Illinois State (Oct. 14)... Has 11 shot attempts, including a career-high three against South Dakota State (Sept. 14)... Seven of her 11 shots have been directed on goal... Accumulated 34 starts in 37 games played in her career... Appeared in 17 contests and started 15 last season after missing the first two games of the season while playing with the Canadian National Team at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championships... Named to the MVC All-Freshman team as a rookie... Has four career points.
#19 Tara Bailey - Redshirt freshman defender named all-MVC Honorable Mention... Started 15 matches and played in 17 after sitting out first two matches of the season with an injury... Helped CU defense post seven shutouts from her center-back position... Matched a season-high with two shots against Northern Iowa in the first round of the MVC Tournament... First career goal was the game winner on a header against Drake (Oct. 11) to snap the Bulldogs' 18-match MVC unbeaten streak... Assisted on the final goal in CU's 4-0 win over Indiana State (Oct. 19) for first career helper... Played the entire match in 12 of her 15 starts, including all 110 minutes in the MVC title game against Illinois State... Has 10 shot attempts with three on goal.
#20 Shawn Magrum - Sophomore midfielder/forward has played in 14 contests, starting seven... Started all three matches in MVC Tournament... Converted on penalty kick in championship shootout against Illinois State... Assisted on Marcy Gans' second goal in semifinal win over Evansville... Started seven of CU's final eight games... Team is 5-2-1 when she starts... Tied for second on the team with three assists... Scored a goal in her first action of the season against South Dakota (Sept. 11)... Played season-high 92 minutes in MVC Tournament final... Attempted 14 shots, with seven directed on goal... Had season-high three shots, with two on goal, against both Illinois State (Oct. 14) and Northern Iowa in the MVC Tournament (Nov. 4)... As a redshirt freshman last season, she had a goal and an assist for three points... Missed final eight matches of rookie season with injury after playing in 10 of the first 11 contests... Appeared in four matches in 2005, but received a medical redshirt during her first season in the program.
#21 Grace Kwon - Freshman midfielder/forward has seen action in nine contests as a rookie with two starts... Started against South Dakota (Sept. 11) and North Dakota State (Sept. 14)... Played season-high 45 minutes at Arizona State (Sept. 30)... Attempted two of her three shots on the season against South Dakota.
#22 Toch Ihemelu - Senior forward has played in all 20 games this season and 75 throughout her career... Has appeared in two previous NCAA Tournament games, starting in 2005 against Nebraska... Started eight games this season, including each of the past seven contests... Leads the team with four assists, all coming in the past six games... Picked up an assist in all three MVC Tournament games, including a helper on Kyla Hoskins' tying goal against Illinois State in the championship game... Three of four assists came on game-winning goals... Ranks third on the team with eight points on two goals and four assists... Scored goals at North Dakota State (Sept. 14) and against Indiana State (Oct. 19)... Recorded first career assist on the game-winning goal against Western Illinois (Oct. 21)... Second on the team with 41 shots, including nine in the MVC Tournament final, the most by any player on the team this season... Recorded at least one shot attempt in 15 of the 20 games... Has 11 goals and four assists for 26 career points, second-most among active players... Led Creighton last season in scoring with 10 points and five goals... Creighton is 9-2-0 when Ihemelu scores a goal in her career... Thirteen of her 18 career starts have been in MVC contests... Brother Ugo played in the MVC at SMU and now plays in the MLS for the Colorado Rapids... Name pronounced TOACH ee-HEM-uh-loo.
