Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Mercer
Blue Raiders put unbeaten streak on line
9/7/2006 6:44:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee's soccer team will put its unbeaten streak on the line in the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic in Knoxville this weekend. The Blue Raiders will face Mercer at Regal Soccer Stadium Friday at 4:30 p.m., before playing host Tennessee Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Blue Raiders are off to a 4-0 start and are venturing away from home for the first time during this early season. In fact, Middle Tennessee will play five of its next six on the road.
"These are the type of stretches on the road against quality teams that make you better for your conference season," Middle Tennessee coach Aston Rhoden said. "This is why we put together the schedule we have. Our team is excited about the opportunity and challenges presented during this weekend's tournament. (Tennessee coach) Angela Kelly has done a great job with the Tennessee program and this is a first-class tournament. We are excited to be in the field because it's a tough tournament."
In addition to Middle Tennessee, Tennessee, and Mercer, UNC-Greensboro also is in the mix.
Middle Tennessee has started the season strong on all areas. The attacking offense has generated 14 goals in the first four games, while surrendering one goal per match. Junior forward Holly Grogan leads the Sun Belt in goals and points, and she's tied for the league lead in assists.
Mercer comes into the tournament with a 0-4 record out of the Atlantic Sun. Mercer has struggled offensively, scoring just one goal in four matches, including three straight shutouts.
Tennessee enters the weekend ranked No. 10 nationally but the host team hasn't been treated so friendly in this event. Only once in the previous six First Tennessee Classics have the Big Orange claimed the crown. The last three champions have been Tennessee (2003), North Carolina (2004), and Texas A&M (2005). Each team reached either the NCAA Tournament regional semifinals or Sweet 16.
