April 1, 2000

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland women's soccer team opened its 2000 spring season with a tough 2-1 loss to the Maryland Pepsi Pride of the W-League on Saturday. Maryland head coach Shannon Higgins-Cirovski was very happy with her team's play in the exhibition game against a team that featured former college All-Americans and former National Team players.

"I thought we had the better of the play," said Higgins-Cirovski, the 1999 ACC Coach of the Year. "We played a very attractive style of soccer. We were organized and individually worked very well. I think our team can walk out of there very proud."

After batting for 30 minutes, the Terps took a 1-0 on a goal by junior Terri Greer off a pass from sophomore Courtney Beirne. The Pride tied the game at 1-1 as Theresa Wolden's goal evened the score. The Pride took the 2-1 lead on Tammy Pearman's goal which finished the scoring for the day.

The Terps impressed Pride coach Carolyn Rice. "This match today with Maryland allowed us to stretch our legs a bit," she said. "They're obviously in shape and Shannon (Higgins-Cirovski) has them playing well."

The Pride featured many former Maryland stars including the Terps' top three all-time leading scorers Keri Sarver, Emmy Harbo and Robin McCullough. Also playing against the Terps for the first time was 1999 All-Mid Atlantic first team selection Jackie Mynarski.

"Playing against a team of that caliber tested our younger players," said Higgins-Cirovski. "I think we played exceptionally well. Sara Gustafson and Kim King are coming along very well. Vita McKenna played the best game I have seen her play. Valerie Lawrence looked very good playing in the back with Lindsay Givens."

The Terps are back in action in the spring season as they host five teams for a tournament on Sunday, April 9. Coming to College Park are Georgetown, George Washington, Loyola and a pair of club teams -- the Bethesda Falcons and the New Jersey Dynamo. Maryland will play George Washington at 9 a.m., Bethesda at noon and Loyola at 3 p.m. All action will take place on the practice field behind Byrd Stadium.