DEFEATING GOLIATH

The Seminoles entered the 2006 season riding high, ranked No. 4 in the country. However, in the first game of the season, they faced a difficult challenge against the defending National Champion and top-ranked Portland. Sophomore midfielder Mami Yamaguchi was confident the Noles would emerge victorious and that she would help lead them. After an early shot went wide, Yamaguchi noted, “I told them that I can score today. I kept thinking that I can score … Next, next, next… I kept thinking it’s coming.” Her moment came in the 80th minute, knocking one back and sealing the 2-1 Seminole victory. It was the first victory over a top-ranked team in program history.