HAMMOND – The Southeastern Louisiana women's soccer team will open its 2013 schedule on Friday, hosting Jackson State at 7 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium.
LionVision subscribers will be able to access a live video stream on LionSports.net. The first 250 fans will receive a free t-shirt and Southeastern students will receive free food as available from Raising Cane's.
Southeastern has three preseason All-Southland Conference performers returning from last season's squad, which finished 12-7-1 overall. Up top, sophomore forward Kayla Vera is the top returning scorer after leading the team with six goals and six assists. The 2012 Louisiana Freshman of the Year is joined by sophomore Casey Peacock, as well as newcomers Marissa Rodrigues, Brianna Singh and Gisenia Utreras among the forwards.
In the midfield, 2012 All-Southland performers Kelsey Salcido and Cheyenne Maxwell return, while junior Jen Babcock, junior Gabrielle Dubroc, sophomore Megan Simon and freshman Amber Lasher are all poised to contribute.
Senior Shanyce Shaw, a first team preseason All-Southland performer, returns to anchor the defensive backfield. Junior Chelsea Villaescusa, sophomore Erin Christ and sophomore Maddie Allen all return. Freshmen Alexis Cable, Katie Noonan and Lauren Lorentz are also expected to have an immediate impact.
The Lady Lions will be protecting a new goalkeeper, as freshman Hope Sabadash replaces four-year starter Lacey Bockhaus. Sabadash trained at the U-20 Canadian National Training Center in Ontario prior to coming to Hammond. Fellow freshman Casey Jeanfreau assures Southeastern of having a pair of talented options in the net.
Jackson State returns eight starters from a team that advanced to the SWAC Tournament final and finished with a 7-11-2 record a season ago. Sophomore Shatiaunna Banks led JSU last season with five goals, while junior Taylor Emerson returns in goal after posting a 1.86 goals against average in 2012.
Southeastern is 3-0 all-time versus Jackson State. The teams last met in 2006 with Southeastern taking a 4-0 win in Jackson, Miss.
Following Friday's match, Southeastern will play its next three matches on the road. The Lady Lions start the trip with a 6 p.m. match at Louisiana-Lafayette next Tuesday.
