MOBILE, Ala. - The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team will open its 2005 regular season this weekend, as the Lady Lions will compete in the KELME Port City Classic at "The Cage" on the University of South Alabama campus.

The Lady Lions begin their quest for their eighth consecutive winning season on Friday, when they face Toledo at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, Southeastern closes out the tournament with a 12 p.m. match versus Birmingham-Southern.

Southeastern head coach Blake Hornbuckle heads into his ninth year at the helm of the program with a young, but experienced team. The Lady Lions' roster features only one senior, but the team returns 13 letterwinners from last seaon's 11-9 squad.

Jen Mongiardi, a senior from Burlington, Ontario, will be expected to be one of the leaders of the Southeastern offense. The preseason All-Southland Conference selection and Southeastern's leading returning scorer will team with midfielders Danielle Shank and Rena Carrillo, as well as forwards Amanda Plant, Chelsea Kling and Aimee Davis to spearhead the Southeastern offensive attack.

The Lady Lions will be strong on defense with captains and 2004 All-SLC selections Kari Yost and Lindsay Garito anchoring the troops. 2004 SLC and Louisiana Newcomer of the Year Crista Wood will man the nets for Southeastern.

Southeastern will also have its first opportunities to move closer to the 100th win in school history. The Lady Lions head into 2005 with 96 wins since the program started in 1995. To do so Southeastern will have to get past unfamiliar competition, as both weekend opponents will be facing off with the Lady Lions for the first time ever.

Toledo is coming off a 7-9-3 season in 2004. Senior captain Kelly Langenback is the team's leading returning scorer, having finished with six goals and 14 points last season. Jen Whipple, who finished with a 1.64 goals against average last season, will likely start in goal for Toledo.

Birmingham Southern won the Big South Conference title last season, after posting a 12-8-3 overall record. Reigning Big South Freshman of the Year Anne McIntyre, who finished with 11 goals and 28 points last season, leads the offense. Senior Andria Gray, who recorded eight shutouts last season, will be between the posts for BSC.

Following this weekend's action, Southeastern will open its home schedule on Sept. 2, hosting Belmont at 4:30 p.m. at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.