SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University women's soccer team kicks off its 2014 season on Thursday night against NCAA Division II-newcomer Spring Hill College, at 7:00 p.m. on University Soccer Field.
Thursday's clash marks the first matchup between the Badgers and the Lions, and the season opener for both squads.
Saint Leo is coming off a 2-0 upending of in-state Division I foe Stetson University last Friday in DeLand, Fla., in a game that was technically an exhibition match for the Lions and the regular season opener for the Hatters.
"It was a good win over a Division I opponent," said Ged O'Connor, Saint Leo's head women's soccer coach, "and any win over a Division I program shows the level of competitiveness of our squad. It was an important win for us in recruiting because it shows we can compete with the Division I institutions within Florida."
Sophomores Arielle Kabangu and Selena Jaimes notched goals for the Lions in the win over Stetson, with fellow sophomore Katie Waddell getting credit for an assist on Kabangu's goal. Sophomore Imani Clayton and junior Abby Evans split the goalkeeping duties for Saint Leo, with Clayton charting five saves in the first half and Evans making three stops in the second stanza.
Tonight's season lid-lifter starts O'Connor's ninth year at the helm of Saint Leo women's soccer. The Lions return 14 letterwinners and seven starters off last season's squad that was 10-6-0 overall, 5-3-0 in the SSC, and finished fourth in the conference behind three nationally-ranked teams. Headlining the returnees are Kabangu, last season's SSC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year and the NCAA Division II scoring champion with 22 goals, and sophomore forward Saffron Jordan, who was tabbed for Second Team All-SSC honors.
Spring Hill is making its Division II debut tonight, after moving up from NAIA and joining the Gulf South Conference. The Badgers had previously been NAIA members since 1959. Spring Hill posted a 10-8-1 mark a year ago, with a 5-3-1 record in the Southern States Athletic Conference.
"They've just moved up to Division II and we've not been able to see them play," said O'Connor. "But they've got some Division I transfers and had some success in the past, so I'm expecting a competitive game."
After Thursday's game, the Lions return to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host Carson-Newman at 7:00 p.m. on the University Soccer Field.
Fans can follow Thursday night's game online via social media, live stats, and webcast on the Saint Leo Sports Network; all links are available at www.saintleolions.com.
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