The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Soccer Opens Preseason
8/11/2004 | Soccer
Aug. 11, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss soccer team began its quest for a third straight NCAA Tournament berth Wednesday, as the Rebels held their first preseason practice. Coming off a 15-6-2 season and a second-round finish in the NCAAs, the Rebels reported to camp Tuesday evening, and today participated in fitness tests and a shortened full-squad scrimmage. Steve Holeman, the only coach in the program's nine years of existence, said his team is off to a great start. "The staff was pleased with our first day," said Holeman, whose Rebels spent five weeks ranked in the top-25 polls last year. "It's obvious the players worked hard over the summer, as they've come in in great shape. We have a lot of talent on this team, and it was exciting to see how they competed in the scrimmage. We couldn't be happier with where we're starting." Led by one of the strongest senior classes in school history, the Rebels return 16 of 23 letterwinners from last year's squad, including six starters, while adding six newcomers. Heading the list of returnees is senior midfielder Kristal Menard, a two-time All-Region first team and All-SEC first team selection. The Crestwood, Ky., native totaled eight assists and seven goals a year ago. However, injury has already struck the Rebel club, as senior defender Ramey Rush went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a pick-up game last week. Rush, a native of Meridian, has started every match of her career and helped lead the Ole Miss defense to record-setting seasons each of the last three years. Holeman said he is hopeful Rush can return by mid-September. Ruptured ACLs are nothing new for the Rebels, who lost both 2002 All-SEC first team forward Kelly Renie and 2002 team defensive MVP Lyndsey Williams to the injury a year ago. Both are back in the Rebel lineup in 2004. The Ole Miss preseason includes an exhibition match with Oklahoma, Aug. 21 at noon at Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock, Ark. The Rebels, who finished top four in the SEC overall the last two seasons, officially kick off the 2004 campaign against Northwestern State, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at Ole Miss Soccer Complex, as part of a three-game homestand. The squad hosts nine home matches this year, including the SEC opener with Georgia on Sept. 24. For season ticket information, contact the Ole Miss ticket office at 662-915-7167 or 888-732-8587, toll-free in the state.
