Aug. 20, 2010

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ST. LOUIS - Sophomore Alli Reimer scored her first career goal early in the second half to tie the game, but a Memphis tally in the 79th minute gave the Tigers a 2-1 victory over Saint Louis Friday night in the season opener at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.

Reimer received a corner kick from senior Ashley Brazill and sent a header toward the goal. The ball hit the bottom of the crossbar and fell across the line at the 56:36 mark.

Memphis, ranked 18th nationally by Soccer America, took a 1-0 lead at 39:18. Alena Strnadova dribbled the ball inside the 18 on the right side and fired a low shot across the field that tucked inside the far post.

The Billikens, who were out-shot 10-2 in the opening half, turned the tables following the break and controlled the action throughout much of the second period. But Lizzy Hildebrandt, assisted by Vendula Strnadova and Taylor Isenhower, banged a 22-yard shot into the upper left corner at the 78:07 mark, and the Tigers held on for the victory.

Memphis' 14-6 advantage in total shots included a 7-3 edge in shots on goal. Senior Amber Zdanovec made five saves for Saint Louis in the first half, while sophomore Katie Walsh played the second half in goal. Jordan Boyle made two saves for Memphis, both in the second stanza.

"We came out better in the second half," head coach Tim Champion said. "Our defensive effort was decent, but we have to get better in other areas of the game. Our backs and a couple of midfielders were solid and played hard. But it has to be a total team effort."

The Bills return to the Hermann Stadium pitch Sunday, hosting Murray State at 1 p.m.