Lady Rebel soccer team looks to continue winning ways

ANDRIA MORGAN
DM Staff Writer

The Ole Miss soccer team is on a seven-game winning streak and will be playing its first two conference matches at home this weekend against LSU Friday at 7 p.m. and Arkansas Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Lady Rebels are 7-2 overall and looking to keep their longest winning streak alive.

The Tigers have also kept a winning streak with six, and coach Steve Holeman says that is just more motivation for the Lady Rebels.

"I'm glad they are on a winning streak," Holeman said. "I'm excited that they are 9-1. It is more motivation for us to break that streak.

"I think we are going to be ready for LSU whether they are on a six-game winning-streak or a six-game losing-streak. We've prepared for it and we'll be ready."

Kara Dean and Jessica Powers are leading the Tigers with nine goals this season.

LSU is 1-0 in conference play after defeating Arkansas (2-5-2, 0-1) on Sunday, and 1-0 at home. During the game, the Lady Razorbacks suffered two injuries in the first 15 minutes of play. Courtney Schaub, the top scorer and defender Kellei Bedient both had ankle injuries. Schaub leads Arkansas with three goals on the season.

Although the Tigers defeated the Lady Razorbacks, Holeman says that Arkansas should be the tougher opponent this weekend.

"Arkansas would have the same record as LSU if they played LSU's schedule," said Holeman. "They've played some nationally ranked teams and have had a tougher schedule. So I think it will be a more difficult game this weekend."

The Lady Rebels have also had two SEC Players of the Week back-to-back. Jennifer Soileau earned the honor Sept. 18, and Bridget Brooks was named on Monday. Brooks leads the Rebels with seven goals this season, while Soileau has four. With one point, Soileau will take over as the Rebels' all-time leading scorer. Tammy Zegledi is the current leader with 92 career total points from 1995-98.

"We've got two (SEC Player of the Week) in a row and three out of the first five," said Holeman. "It really shows we have quite a bit of depth on our team."