MEMPHIS, Tenn. --- The Samford University soccer team was defeated by the 18^th-ranked Memphis Lady Tigers on Sunday as the non-conference foes squared off in an early-season contest held at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.

With the loss, Samford (0-2) concluded its season-opening road trip with an 0-2 record. In their season opener on Friday, the Bulldogs dropped a 2-1 decision at Alabama.

Memphis (2-0) picked up its first victory in school history against Samford on Sunday. Heading into the match, the Bulldogs held a 3-0 record in the all-time series between the teams.

Providing the offensive attack for the Lady Tigers on Sunday was freshman forward Rasheeda Ansari. She scored a pair of goals for Memphis including the opening score in the 22^nd minute with a goal off of one of Memphis’ six first-half corner kicks. Freshman midfielder Christabel Oduro assisted Ansari on her first goal of the season as Ansari found the ball and played it to the left post.

The Lady Tigers’ Laura Laufenberg scored her eighth career goal in the 48^th minute of play to give Memphis a 2-0 edge early in the second half. Seniors Ashley Berra and Krista Turner were both credited with assists on the Laufenberg goal.

Later in the second half of play, Ansari connected on her second goal of the night in the 58^th minute. The Lithonia, Ga., native played the ball inside the box and found the back right post for her second career goal.

Memphis’ junior keeper Jordan Boyle recorded her fifth career shutout, earning her second victory of the season. Boyle finished the night with four saves, while Samford’s goalkeeper Alyssa Whitehead made seven saves in Sunday’s match.

The Samford University soccer team will next be in action Friday at 7 p.m. (CST) as the Bulldogs begin a five-match homestand against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Bulldog Field.