Southeastern Louisiana Athletics

HAMMOND – The undefeated Southeastern Louisiana women’s soccer team will return to action on Sunday, hosting Southern at 4 p.m. at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.

A win over the visiting Lady Jaguars (0-2-1) would give Southeastern (3-0) its third 4-0 start in school history. The Lady Lions started 4-0 in 2007 and opened the 2003 season with a school-record five consecutive victories.

Southeastern’s quick start can be greatly attributed to its defensive efforts, as the Lady Lions have yet to allow a goal in 2010, opening the season with shutout wins over Mississippi Valley State (2-0), Troy (1-0) and Alabama State (5-0). Preseason All-Southland Conference selections Nicole Brannigan, Brittany Prieto and Kyle MacIntosh, along with newcomers Shanyce Shaw and Lauren Crawford have been solid on the back line.

That back line has received ample support from junior goalkeeper Lacey Bockhaus. With three shutouts in net for the Lady Lions, Bockhaus has tied the Southeastern career record with 24 shutouts. The San Leandro, Calif. native can break the tie with former Lady Lion Nicole Helmig by keeping Southern off the scoreboard and currently needs two shutouts to become the Southland Conference’s all-time leader.

Southeastern has used a balance attack offensively, as sophomore Kerry McWhirter leads the team with two goals. Five other Lady Lions – senior Natalie Santana, sophomore Dana Songe, sophomore Tabitha McReynolds, freshman Cambri Prevost and freshman Kelsey Salcido – have also scored goals this season.

With three assists in last week’s win over Alabama State, McWhirter also holds the team lead in that category. Santana has two assists this season and 22 for her career – three off the league and school record of 25 set by former Lady Lion and Southeastern Athletics Hall of Famer Becca Weingartner. Sophomores Maiya Cooper and Karly Dagys, as well as freshman Ann Stranges, also have been credited with assists this season.

Southern heads to Hammond looking for its first win of the season. The Lady Jaguars have opened the season facing three of Southeastern’s Southland Conference rivals. Southern lost to Nicholls State (3-1) and Northwestern State (4-0) and battled to a scoreless tie with Central Arkansas.

Teara Richardson is the only Lady Jaguar to have scored a goal this season and leads the SU offense. D’Nae Capron (0.00 GAA), Simone Bray (3.00 GAA) and Elaine Opusunju (4.00 GAA) have all seen time in goal for the Lady Jaguars.

Southeastern is 6-0 all-time versus Southern and has outscored the Lady Jaguars, 42-0, in the previous meetings between the in-state rivals. Last season, the Lady Lions took an 8-0 victory behind two goals each from Cooper and 2009 senior Jenna Oney.

Following Sunday’s match, Southeastern will host Southern Miss on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.