Feb. 12, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss - The University of Southern Mississippi women's soccer team will return to the pitch this weekend with the first of four spring games.

The Lady Eagles will host the Second Annual 7 v. 7 Tournament this weekend, presented by the Catholic Student Organization. The tournament will feature universities from every level, including division one all the way to junior colleges.

"I am extremely excited to start the spring season," head Coach Gail Macklin said. "I am also excited and grateful to the Catholic Student Organization for the sponsorship of our annual 7 v. 7 tournament, it is a great partnership and hopefully will generate some extra excitement for our program."

"St. Thomas Church and Southern Miss soccer have had very close links for the last seven years but even more so since Gail Macklin became the coach four years ago," Father Tommy Conway of St. Thomas Catholic Community said. "I love the soccer program and realize that often times the other sports dominate when it comes to publicity and financial support. I wanted us to show our support for these great student athletes."

In addition to the 7 v. 7 tournament this Saturday at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex the Golden Eagles will play three games as well this spring at home, March 1 vs. Louisiana Lafayette at 2:00 p.m., March 29 vs. Miss. Valley St. at 2:00 p.m. and vs. South Alabama on April 5 at 2:00 p.m.