Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Sports

Tourney hopes spent after loss

Cougars drop must-win game against Rice at Robertson Friday

by JONG LEE
The DAILY COUGAR

With a record setting attendance of 969 people, Houston ended its season with a 1-0 loss at the hands of its cross-town rival Rice Friday night at Robertson Stadium. 

With the loss, the Cougars (9-10, 3-6 C-USA) did not advance to the conference tournament. The collegiate careers of five players also came to an end with the loss, and before the match seniors Kristen Cooper, Jennifer Dry, Sarah Fisher, Sophia Mundy and Heather Williams were honored at senior day.

"It's pretty difficult (to go out with a lose)," Cooper said. "We played really well all season and we just didn't put away the games we needed to put away. It's unfortunate and we all want to beat Rice, but they put up a good game, so it's just unfortunate."

The Owls (11-6-1, 3-6 C-USA) played aggressive in the last 10 minutes of the game. With less than a minute left, Erin Scott of Rice took a long service from Clory Martin to drain the game winner.

"We battled the entire 90 minutes and it leaves a sour taste in our mouths because (the goal) came in the 89th minute," Mundy said. "The girls played great, but we had one mental lapse and that's the game of soccer. You make one mistake and they score on you. Hopefully next year they can beat them."

Houston was out-shot in the game 18-11, especially when Rice turned it on in the second half, pouring on 14 shots. 

"It's hard to put it in words," Fisher said. "It's our senior day and our team wanted to go out and give their all for us. I know we worked hard and I know we left it on the field, but unfortunately Rice came out and showed up more than we did today."

Williams, who has not played much this season, was the only senior not to participate in the last game of the season.

Williams, Dry and Fisher played all four of their seasons at UH, Cooper played two and Mundy transferred from Portland State in 2005. The Cougars left the field in tears, but Dry said it has been a lot of fun and she enjoyed every minute of it.

"A lot of things (are going through my mind)," Dry said. "I wish I would have gone out with a win. I could see the girls' eyes and I know they put everything they had into it. I don't regret one minute that I've been here. I don't know how much people realize how hard it is out here to balance everything; it's just so worth it for four years and I'm so grateful."
 

Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu