Nov. 4, 1999

INDIANAPOLIS - The UWM women's soccer team, seeded No. 3 in the MCC Championship, began the tournament with a 3-0 win against No. 6 UW-Green Bay on Wednesday.

The Panthers (10-8-2) advance to the semifinals on Friday. UWM will play tournament host Butler at 4:00 p.m. CST.

"It was a pretty lopsided win for us," said UWM coach Michael Moynihan. "Green Bay played with a lot of confidence after they beat us (1-0) last week, but we matched their intensity.

"We had numerous chances today, and it was nice to punch it in," Moynihan added.

All three of UWM's goals came in the second half.

Junior Fanta Cooper, a defender who moved up to play forward with 20 minutes remaining in the first half, scored early in the second half. She chipped the ball over the Phoenix goalkeeper for the first goal of the game and her second goal of the season.

Sophomore Julie Ruma scored her second goal of the season in the 74th minute.

"She dribbled through the box and then punched it in. She was very effective today getting to the goal," said Moynihan.

Junior Dani Alberg scored her first goal of the season in the 88th minute. She took a serve from sophomore midfielder Rana Thompson and converted for the Panthers' third goal.

The UWM defense was sparked by three players who returned to action after injury. Freshman defender Kristin Munyon, senior defender Michelle Alioto and sophomore midfielder Erin Blaedow returned to the Panther lineup.

"Their intensity helped set the tone for us in the game," said Moynihan.