Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Evansville
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Blue Raiders play host to Middle Tennessee Classic
9/1/2006 1:07:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Middle Tennessee soccer will host the third annual Middle Tennessee Classic, today and Sunday at Blue Raider Field.
In its brief three year history, the Middle Tennessee Classic has continued to grow into an increasingly competitive event. This year the tournament field will consist of Middle Tennessee, Evansville, Western Kentucky, and Jacksonville State.
The Blue Raiders will put their 13-game winning streak at Blue Raider Field on the line with this week
"We love playing at home. It is an honor to play center stage for our friends, family, classmates and the community," said fifth year head coach Aston Rhoden. "Our attacking style is very exciting to our fans. This attacking style comes from a desire to win more than a fear of losing."
With the team off to its first 2-0 start since 2003 (both wins at Blue Raider Field), the Raiders have outscored opponents 7-2. All seven goals were scored by different players.
"We are much more balanced offensively than in previous seasons," said Rhoden.
A large contribution has been made by junior forward Holly Grogan who was named Sun-Belt player of the week Tuesday.
With the strongest tournament field to date, the Raiders will have to bring strong performances.
"The teams this year are among the best we have ever had," said Rhoden.
Middle Tennessee will open its tournament play against Evansville tonight at 7 p.m. Evansville is led by First Team Freshman all-American Kayla Lambert and second team Missouri Valley Conference Heidi Grey. Kayla Lambert led the MVC with 17 goals and 11 assists in her freshman season. Grey, the team's co-captain and center midfielder, has also proved to be a strong offensive threat with 22 points last season.
Sunday, Middle Tennessee plays the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks. The Gamecocks are coming off two disappointing early season losses, but with seven returning starters, JSU looks to be a strong competitor.
MT does not play Sun Belt rival Western Kentucky, but the Hilltoppers should prove to be tough competition for the other teams. WKU is lead by two time all-Sun Belt player Jenna Silverberg. Silverberg has set school records for goals scored, games played in and started, and game winning goals.
"The renovation of Blue Raider field has already made a huge difference in our program. This season we were able to get a strong list of teams and next season we will host two strong national programs, Tulsa and Mississippi State," said Rhoden.
Prior to MT's game Friday, Rebecca Rodriguez will be recognized for becoming the all-time goals leader at MT (29). Also, Laura Miguez-Howarth and Debs Brereton will be honored prior to kickoff for being named to the All-Time Sun Belt Conference Team as part of the league's 30-year anniversary.
Tournament Schedule
Friday
5PMWestern Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State
7PMMiddle Tennessee vs. Evansville
Sunday
1PMWestern Kentucky vs. Evansville
3PMMiddle Tennessee vs. Jacksonville State
