Oct. 26, 2011

BEAUMONT, Texas - The Lamar University women's soccer team looks to gear up for the upcoming Southland Conference Tournament by hosting a pair of conference games to close the regular season.

The Lady Cardinals (7-7-2 overall, 4-2-1 conference) host Central Arkansas at 7 p.m. Friday and Northwestern State at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Lamar Soccer Complex. Lamar has its eyes on the No. 3 seed for the conference tourney, which runs from Nov. 3-6 at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.

Lamar enters the weekend tied with UTSA for the third spot. The teams battled to a 1-1 tie in their game last weekend.

"We want that third spot, that would be quite an accomplishment," Lamar coach Dewi Hardman said. "We were picked to finish fifth in one poll and sixth in another."

The Lady Cardinals will be facing two teams that have already been eliminated from tournament contention. Central Arkansas and Northwestern State are both 1-5-1 in Southland play. However, that doesn't mean Lamar is taking its opponents lightly.

"I think we'll have two competitive games this weekend," Hardman said. "We've been in that position before. I think they have pride in their program and they will come here wanting to compete and win. They can be carefree, and that could be dangerous."

Friday's game will feature a Halloween party with a costume contest, a bounce house and face painting. There will be a postgame autograph session after Sunday's contest. Kids will be admitted free both days.

Sunday will also be Senior Day, with Lamar honoring the three seniors on this year's team: goalkeeper Jennifer Gibbs, forward Lisa Hance and defender Rachelle Barry.

"Obviously, it will be a bit of an emotional time," Hardman said. "Lisa and Jennifer have their names all over our record book and have been big reasons for our success. They have been with me since my first season here in 2008. Rachelle Barry has been with me for all four years as well, having redshirted in Lamar's first year (2007). She has been a leader in so many ways. Honoring them before the game will show them our appreciation for their hard work and accomplishments."

For ticket information, call (409) 880-1715 or visit LamarCardinals.com.

LAMAR