HAMMOND - As the final regular season weekend of the 2008 season approaches, the Southeastern Louisiana University women's volleyball team (10-16, 3-11 Southland Conference) sits two matches out of the eighth and final conference tournament spot with second-place SLC East Division rival Stephen F. Austin (18-7, 9-4 SLC) coming to town on Thursday.  However, the Lady Lions have not given up on trying to earn their first trip to postseason play since 2002.

"Stephen F. Austin is a very good team, but, like everyone in the league, they have weaknesses, and its our job to try to find a way to exploit those weaknesses," head coach Julie Langford said.  "We played them pretty tough at their place last time, and if we come out with the same intensity we should have a shot."

The Lady Lions fell to the Ladyjacks 3-1 when the two squads met at Stephen F. Austin on Oct. 11.  Southeastern gave the then-division leading Ladyjacks fits, losing by just four in the first set, claiming the third set 29-27 and falling short 25-18 in the fourth.

"Our passing fell off a bit and we needed to block tougher," Langford said.  "All-in-all we played well there last time.  We just need to change a few things and make sure we don't take any points off."

First serve between the Lady Lions and Stephen F. Austin is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday.  Following Thursday's match, the Southeastern will prepare for their regular season finale against McNeese State.  Saturday's senior day match up between the Lady Lions and Cowgirls is set to get underway at 2 p.m.  Admission to both matches is free for all fans.  Live stats will be available on www.LionSports.net.