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The University of Mississippi Athletics
More than bragging rights on the line
11/2/2001 | Soccer
Nov. 2, 2001
By Chris Kieffer
It just might be the biggest soccer game that the state of Mississippi has ever seen. Friday night at the Ole Miss soccer stadium, it is arch-rivals Ole Miss (9-8-1, 4-4) against Mississippi State (11-7, 4-4) in the season finale for both teams. The winner claims at least a share of the SEC West Championship. Attendance is expected to approach 2,000.
"People in Mississippi who enjoy soccer are definitely going to show up, because it is a huge game for Mississippi," said Ole Miss junior defender Kristin Chapman. "Along with our friends and family, a lot of youth players will be there to watch. College soccer is growing and it is growing in Mississippi."
The Rebels and Bulldogs are involved in a three way tie with the Auburn Tigers for the SEC West lead. Auburn also closes out their season Friday night at Alabama. If Auburn wins, they would split the SEC West crown with the winner of the Ole Miss-MSU game, even though both the Rebels and Bulldogs have head-to-head wins against the Tigers.
The winner of the Ole Miss-MSU game is assured the number two seed in the SEC Tournament, which will be held at LSU from Nov. 8-11.
