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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels' 2003 Soccer Season Begins This Weekend at Home
8/27/2003 | Soccer
Aug. 27, 2003
OXFORD, Miss. - Coming off its best season as a program, Ole Miss kicks off its 2003 soccer campaign this weekend against South Alabama and Memphis, as part of a six-game homestand. Friday's game time with the Jaguars is 7 p.m. CST, while the Sunday match with the Tigers starts at 1 p.m. at Ole Miss Soccer Stadium.
"We're excited," said Steve Holeman, the only head coach in the eight-year history of the Rebel program. "Despite the accomplishments of last year, this team could be even better. We feel like we had a productive preseason, and we're ready to get the season started.
"We know South Alabama and Memphis will provide us with a great challenge, and I think we're prepared."
The Rebels begin the year fourth among teams receiving votes for the Soccer Buzz top-25 national poll and fifth in the Buzz Central Region rankings. In the SEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, Ole Miss was tabbed second in the Western Division, trailing Auburn by just three points.
With a 13-5-2 record a year ago, the Rebels earned the program's first NCAA Tournament berth and finished top three in the SEC overall for the first time. Ole Miss returns nine starters from that club, including All-SEC players Kristal Menard, Kelly Renie and Amy Sample. Renie, the 2002 SEC Freshman of the Year, led the conference in goals and points in league play and finished 17th in the nation in goals per game.
South Alabama loses 10 of 22 letterwinners from last year's 9-10-3 squad. However, the Jags retain their top three scorers including senior forward Julie Herman, who netted 12 goals in 2002. The Rebels have taken two of three meetings with USA, with the last encounter a 3-0 Ole Miss triumph in 1998.
After a 9-10-1 record last year, Memphis has high hopes for the new season, having inked the top recruiting class in Conference USA and 46th-best in the nation, according to Soccer Buzz. The Tigers also boast some experience with eight returning starters, including junior forward Kirsty Marr and her 12 points and four game-winning goals from a year ago.
Ole Miss has faced regional-rival Memphis more than any other non-conference opponent and enjoys a 4-1-1 all-time series edge. Last year's scheduled match in Oxford was rained out.
For Rebel season ticket information, contact the Ole Miss ticket office at 662-915-7167 or 888-732-8587, toll-free in the state.
