University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Soccer To Host Samford In Exhibition Match Thursday
8/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 16, 2006
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss soccer team kicks off its 2006 season with a 4 p.m., exhibition match against Samford at the Southern Miss Track and Soccer Complex.
The two schools will meet for the sixth time on Thursday, with Southern Miss holding a 4-1 series advantage, including a 2-0 mark in Hattiesburg.
Southern Miss, under the direction of third-year Head Coach Gail Macklin, returns 10 starters and 17 letterwinners from last year's squad that finished 4-9-2.
Sophomore Sarah McFadden, a 2005 Conference USA All-Freshman selection, returns a team-best six goals and 13 points this season. Senior Kim Turner returns five goals, one assist and 11 points, while senior Carly Barkley returns four goals, along with a squad-best three assists and 40 shots. Senior Sarah Brennan returns three goals, while junior Megan Kolts returns one.
Defensively, the Lady Eagles return sophomore Holly Cox, who posted 53 saves in goal last year. Also returning on defense is senior Katie Warmington and juniors Jackie Ryan and Erin Bunyard.
The Lady Eagles began their 2006 season preparations on August 9, as seven newcomers joined the squad. Now, eight practices into preseason camp, Macklin said the team is rounding into form.
"Our first few days of practice were slow and we focused on fitness," Macklin said. "That was a key area for us to begin the year. We're now in shape and are starting to develop team chemistry with our new players."
Samford finished 15-4-4 last season, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Bulldogs return 11 starters and 19 letterwinners from that team, including top returnees Heather Birdsell (seven goals, six assists, 20 points), Lauren Faubion (six goals, 12 points), Rebecca Bohler (four goals, 12 assists, 20 points) and Sharon Young (four goals, two assists, 10 points). Also returning is goalkeeper Cayley Winters, who finished with 46 saves last season.
"It's going to be a good match," Warmington said about Thursday's exhibition.
Macklin said the match is especially important for the freshmen, while also giving the coaching staff a good gauge of where the team stands.
"We're using the preseason game to see a lot of our freshmen," Macklin said. "We are using it as a tool. Samford had a fantastic year last season. This game is like the Texas A&M match last year. We want to set the tone for the season. We're going to utilize all of our players and see what we have and then plan for future games."
Turner said the team is ready to begin the season.
"We're excited because it's our first game," Turner said. "You're always excited for the first game. We've worked hard through the heat in practice. We're playing well together, and we're excited to get a game under us. We're tired of playing each other. We want to start building with every game, and we want to do that starting with tomorrow's match."
Southern Miss opens the 2006 season on Friday, August 25 at Middle Tennesee State in a 7 p.m., contest The Lady Eagles open their home schedule Friday, September 1, hosting Murray State in a 4 p.m., match.
