File photo

Junior defender Naomi Chu drives past a Long Island opponent last season at Murphey Field. The UA women's soccer team opened the 2001 season with a 4-2 loss to No. 5 Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., Friday in what Wildcat head coach Cathy Klein called "a proud day to be a Wildcat."

Tuesday September 4, 2001

Despite outcome, UA head coach proud of team's effort

Ignoring that the UA women's soccer team lost its season opener, UA head coach Cathy Klein beamed after the defeat.

After all, the Wildcats nearly achieved the impossible by losing a close match to No. 5 Nebraska on the Huskers' home field Friday.

"It was a proud day to be a Wildcat," Klein said following UA's 4-2 loss. "Our effort was brilliant. Our kids see that they can compete with the best. They were in this game and had opportunities to win. Unfortunately, it was a different result."

The Cornhuskers played strong during the first half of play, scoring three goals to lead Arizona, 3-0.

Sophomore Liz Bartlett put Arizona on the scoreboard, 3-1, in the second half. Bartlett - who led the Wildcats in scoring with five goals during its 2000 season - shared Klein's approval of the effort her team displayed.

"We played them as hard as we possibly could," she said. "We really hung with them and stayed tough. We were very competitive and made it a point to show them we were there."

Thirteen minutes after Bartlett's goal, freshman forward Vanesha Bailey - in her first collegiate appearance - blasted a show by Nebraska's goalie, bringing the Wildcats to within one, 3-2.

However, the Cornhuskers added one more goal to the scoreboard, and the Wildcats couldn't come back.

Even though neither team scored a goal during the final 23 minutes of play, the Cornhuskers started its 2001 season 1-0-0, sending Arizona home with a season-opening loss.

UA goalkeeper Shannon Monti kicked off her senior year by going the distance in the 90-minute game and garnering five saves in the box.

Bartlett said the Wildcats' roster of young talent contributed to the strong UA performance.

"(The freshmen) stepped up to the plate and did well," Bartlett said. "They didn't know what to expect, but when the whistle blew, they were here to play. They're definitely earning their keep on the team."

Klein said she was impressed with the Wildcats' (0-1-0 overall) performance against the defending Big XII Conference Champions and is looking forward to a successful season.

Freshman defender and midfielder Lindsey Peeples agreed.

"This game has pumped us up and showed us what we're capable of doing," she said. "No one is discouraged, and we're all looking forward for the next game, taking steps up."

The Wildcats will make their home debut Friday when they take on New Mexico at Murphey Field.