STARKVILLE, MS – In their second game of the 2011 Bulldog Classic, the Lady Lions faced-off against the Golden Eagles of USM at 11AM at MSU Soccer Field. Senior forward Nicole Parks-Powell scored in the 55^th minute on an corner kick assist from Sylvia Fuentes but the Lady Lions could not overcome a two goal, first half deficit against Southern Miss.

The Lady Lions conceded two early goals in the 2^nd and 14^th minutes of the game. After halftime, the Lady Lions were not ready to give up and they came out ready to prove to themselves that they can battle back. With their pride, fight and hard work, the Lady Lions were able to take control of the game in the second half where they outshot the Golden Eagles 6 to 4. The Lady Lions had 5 shots on goal to the Golden Eagles 4 for the game.

Southern Miss did not get a shot on goal after the 14^th minute until 10 minutes left in the game on an easy shot that was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Wood. The Lady Lions had some very good chances in the second half but could not get a tying goal on the scoreboard.

 “When you give up two goals in the first 14 minutes of the game it becomes an uphill battle,” says Head Coach Roberto Mazza. “I felt that we put a lot of pressure on them coming out of the second half and that we controlled play. But at the end of the day it is the result that counts and all credit to USM for their finishing.”

This is the first time the Lady Lions competed in the Bulldog Classic hosted by Mississippi State. For the Lady Lions the tournament began on Friday night against Mississippi State and Southern Mississippi on Sunday morning. Erika Forbes and Sylvia Fuentes were named to the 2011 BULLDOG CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM.

“I am very proud for Erika and Sylvia for being honored by the tournament,” said Coach Mazza. “I also thought Kaitlin Morin, Nicole Parks-Powell, Rachel Harker, and Olivia Wood had a fantastic Bulldog Classic Tournament.”

“These are the two best teams we have faced this season,” said senior captain Erika Forbes. “We played them right to the final whistle and both games could have gone either way. I feel that this weekend was very positive for me and the team. This will be something our team will build off of going into SWAC play.”

The Lady Lions will have their home field season opener on Tuesday, Sept. 13th at 4PM when they host Central Baptist College.