Aug. 16, 2008

HOUSTON - The University of Houston soccer team posted a 5-0 win over crosstown rival Houston Baptist in a preseason friendly match on Saturday at the Carl Lewis International Complex.

The Cougars set the tone early, controlling the possession for most of the match. Houston ripped 14 shots in the contest, while holding HBU to just three.

"I am really pleased with our result," head coach Susan Bush said. "We had a game plan and we stuck to it, resulting in five goals. It was a great first game to lead us into the first game of our season. Our team now is heading into Friday with a lot of confidence."

Sophomore Islara Rodriguez scored a pair of goals and assisted on another, and freshman Jessica Zavalza netted a goal on a team-high five shots

"Zavalza can run for days, she's speedy and very active," Bush said. "Islara is the same - she's very fit and she's invaluable to us as a leader. Both of them played exceptionally well, but I'm proud of the whole team tonight."

Rodriguez put UH on the scoreboard in the 3rd minute, juking HBU keeper Michelle Rich and sending an easy tap into the back of the net.

Houston would enter halftime with a 2-0 advantage after sophomore Stephanie Booker found the back of the net at the 26:30 mark, again dribbling past Rich for an easy finish.

Zavalza made an immediate impact on the field in her first game as a Cougar. She put away the third goal of the game in the 68th minute, finishing a cross from fellow freshman Ashlee Briggerman with her right foot.

Rodriguez scored her second goal on a 30-yard strike, sending the ball just under the crossbar and into the net.

Senior Lynn Baker would finish off the scoring at the 83:20 mark, sprinting with the ball for more than 20 yards and beating goalkeeper Cammie Gilbert to her right for the Cougars' fifth goal of the night.

Senior Shelby Scott and freshman Lauren Frazier combined on the cleansheet for UH.

Houston will now turn its attention to next week's season opener. The Cougars will face UTSA at 7p.m. on Aug. 22 at Robertson Stadium.