The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

SMUs Tyreek Smith dunks as the Mustangs run up the scoreboard against Memphis in Moody Coliseum.
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Brian Richardson, Contributor • March 28, 2024
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Mustangs fall to Memphis 4-1

(Courtesy of SMU Athletics)
(Courtesy of SMU Athletics)
SoccerSeniorDay.jpg
(Courtesy of SMU Athletics)

SMU was unable to defeat Memphis on Senior Day in the regular season finale Sunday afternoon falling to Memphis 4-1 at Westcott Field.

After the match, SMU recognized seniors Lauryn Bodden, Rikki Clarke, Olivia Elliott, Rachael Larson and Shelby Redman for their accomplishments and devotion to the program.

“They’ve been great. They’re great kids and they work hard,” said Head Coach Chris Petrucelli. “They have given everything they have. I can’t say enough positive things about this group.”

Memphis (9-5-4, 6-1-2) took an early lead with its first goal coming in the third minute.

Nugene Nugent made a run to endline and sent in a low cross to Kelly Gravlin, who fired a shot into the lower right corner of the net for her second tally of the season.

SMU (6-13-0, 2-7-0) had two chances two tie the game before half that came up empty and the Tigers took the 1-0 lead into halftime.

“I thought we came out slow,” said Petrucelli. “I thought they came out emotional and fired up, and we weren’t. We didn’t start the game the right way.”

Memphis’ leading scorer Valerie Sanderson scored two goals and Kaitlyn Atkins added one of her own to round out the Tigers’ scoring.

Claire Oates finally got the Mustangs on the board with a goal in the 84th minute,

Oates headed a cross from Chinelo Odobulu, who ran by a defender and delivered the cross.

Memphis would answer with its fourth and final goal three minutes later.

“I thought we played better in the second half, even though we gave up three,” Petrucelli said. “We were a little more dangerous and we competed better.”

By the end of the day, Memphis had outshot SMU 22-11, and recorded seven corner kicks to the Mustangs’ five.

Sunday’s loss was the end of the regular season for the Mustangs who now turn their attention to the conference tournament, which begins next week.

“We have to go and play at a high level,” said Petrucelli. “If we play at a high level, I think we have a chance to win.”

The Mustangs will begin tournament play against Temple in the first round of the tournament on Friday, Oct. 31 at 4:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. CT in Orlando, Florida.

The Mustangs narrowly defeated Temple earlier this season 4-1. If they should win again, the Mustangs defeated would take on the top seeded UCF.

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