A&M-Commerce (0-0-0) vs. Ouachita Baptist (0-0-0)
Thursday August 30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Lion's Soccer Field – Commerce, Texas
A&M-Commerce (0-0-0) vs. No. 10 Fort Lewis (0-0-0)
Sunday, September 2 - 11:00 a.m. - Wichita Falls, Texas
Live Stats: MSUMustangs.com
PREVIEWING THE LIONS FOR 2012
The Lions will hope to rebound from an 8-9-3 campaign a season ago with leading scorer Brionna Minde, 10 goals along with 6 assists, and reigning Lone Star Conference Freshmen of the Year Jade Bell, seven goals along with 18 points. Solid contributions should continue from sophomores Cadie Annett and Stephanie Neeley. Fellow returning starters include Callie Annett, Tareyn Blanton, Eva Brutto and Brittni Ong.
Coach Neil Piper is entering his 15th season on the sidelines at A&M-Commerce. He was able to being a deep recruiting class. Forwards: Vicky Back, Taylor Lambeth and Anitra Wright. Midfielders are; Catherine Ivey and Bailey Phillips. Defenders include; Laura Herron, Makayla Knabe, Sydney Lawthers, Breanna O'Donnell and Kaylin Taylor to go along with transfer Catie Hyde from Emporia State University.
Goalkeeper will be a position to watch as the Lions have to replace three-year starter Randi Hafele. True freshman Kaitlin Murray and Louisiana Monroe transfer Tracey Rodgers compete for the spot in goal.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Kevin Wright will make his coaching debut for the Tigers. Ouachita finished the season with an 8-9-1 record and a 3-3 (3rd) in conference. The Tigers are picked to finish in third place in the Great American conference according to league coaches. Key returners for the Tigers include; senior midfielders Taylor Gay and Lauren Hatch; junior forwards Morgan Pitchford and Jessica Allen along with senior defender Carrie Lieblong.
Series Score: A&M-Commerce has never lost to Ouachita Baptist, leading the all-time series 7-0. The last meeting between the two sides came back in 2005 with A&M-Commerce coming away with a 2-0 win.
SCOUTING THE SKYHAWKS
The Skyhawks received a preseason naitonal ranking of 10 according to the NSCAA Coaches Poll released on Aug. 7. Last season the Skyhawks finished with a record of 15-3-4 and a conference record 10-2-2 (T-2). Fort Lewis was able to advance to the Round of Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament. According to conference coaches the Skyhawks are projected to finish third in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference behind Regis University and Colorado School of Mines. Notable returnees for the Skyhawks include Pre-season All Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference First Team selection defender Madyson Wellcome. Also back are juniors Amanda Raso, Megan Striedel, Kate Sowell and senior Elena Benavides.
Series Score: The Lions are undefeated against the Skyhawks of Fort Lewis College. Holding a 2-0 mark against them. The last time these two squads faced one another was back in 2001 with the Lions taking a 3-0 victory at home.
