WOMEN’S NEWS … It took only two weeks, but Oklahoma has already topped its win total for all of last season. The Sooners, who went 3-15-1 in 2008, have opened with four straight wins.
Whitney Palmer tied a school record with three goals on Sunday as OU rallied to beat Tulsa, 3-1.
“Each game we have won,” said OU second-year coach Nicole Nelson. “We’ve won in a different manner. We’ve scored early, not scored in the first half, came right back and scored to start the second half, and it was good for us to have to come from behind.”
Freshman goalkeeper Kelsey Devonshire improved to 4-0 on the season despite allowing her first goal of the season. Another freshman standout is Dria Hampton (two goals in four games).
Goalkeeper
Kelsey Devonshire, Fr. (North Richland Hills, Texas) Beat out returnee Lisa Jett for starting job.
Defenders
Michelle Alexander, Soph. (Sugarland, Texas) Already has two goals and two assists.
Lauren Alkek, Jr. (Victoria, Texas) Switched to defense toward end of 2008 season.
Ashley Bolden, Jr. (Lewisville, Texas) Has started all but one game at OU.
Midfielders
Tiana Dickson, Jr. (Orange, Calif.) Has started every game since joining Sooners.
Dria Hampton, Fr. (Piedmont, Okla.) Edmond SC star finished up youth career with Dallas Texans.
Olivia Staff, Fr. (Scottsdale, Ariz.) Strong, ball-winning midfielder
Jordan White, Soph. (Chandler, Ariz.) Ranked second on the team with five points as freshman.
Forwards
Ashley Farrand, Sr. (Tulsa, Okla.) Made first start of ’09 season against Tulsa.
Kelsey Kraft, Soph. (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) Only freshman to start all 19 games in 2008.
Whitney Palmer, Jr. (Plano, Texas) Preseason All-Big 12 selection.