Blue Raiders drop exhibition contest, 3-1, against UAB

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee's exhibition game against UAB was called in the 61st minute following a 23 minute delay due to inclement weather at Blue Raider Field Saturday night.

UAB claimed a 3-1 triumph in the shortened contest. Play was initially suspended due to excessive lightening in the area at 8:22 p.m., and it was called 23 minutes later. Middle Tennessee was playing without four players.

The Blue Raiders' scored their only goal when Kelly Downs scored on a well-placed pass from Nenita Burgess to tie the match, 1-1, in the 20th minute. The Blazers regained the lead 10 minutes later when Jill Porto scored in the 30th minute to give UAB the lead for good.

"It wasn't the result we wanted but there was good that came from this contest," Middle Tennessee coach Aston Rhoden said. "I was very pleased with the play of our newcomers and we had some bright spots from some of our veterans, particularly Kaley Forrest and Elise Hutter, and Burgess had a nice assist. We have definite improvements to make but this is a starting point for all of us."

UAB tacked on an additional goal just before play was halted.

Middle Tennessee's highly-regarded freshman class was impressive as each of the eight new players saw action, highlighted by the outstanding play of Downs, Emily Snowdon, Kelly Downs, Jaimee Cooper, and Bethany Bertovic.

Elise Hutter and Forrest were the veterans who played well.

Middle Tennessee will open the season at East Tennessee Friday.