Aug. 19, 2005

WACO, Texas -- With the start of the 2005 regular season only one week away, the Baylor soccer team continues its preparation for the season opener when the Bears travel to Fayetteville, Ark., to take on Arkansas at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20.

"The match will give us a good idea of what we need to work on in the final week of practice," head coach George Van Linder said. "I have been pleased with the way practice has gone so far and this is an opportunity for the team to go out and play a quality opponent before we open our season against Houston."

The match marks the second consecutive season the Bears and Lady Razorbacks have squared off in an exhibition contest after Baylor defeated Arkansas 3-0 last year.

The Bears return 19 letter-winners and eight starters from last year's 7-9-2 squad, including leading point-scorer and senior forward Tiffany Boshers. In addition, Baylor returns sophomore defender Megan Sherrell and junior midfielder Anna Schuch, who each earned a spot on the Big 12 Conference All-Newcomer team last season.

Arkansas also has an experienced squad returning from a season ago as the Lady Razorbacks return 10 starters and 17 letter-winners from last season's 6-11-2 team. Sarah Gwisdala and Christina Burger return after leading the team with 12 points apiece last year.

After the match against Arkansas, Baylor will open the 2005 regular season when the Bears host Houston on Friday, August 26, at 7:00 p.m.