Women's Soccer | 8/17/2023 2:00:00 PM

PINE BLUFF, AR. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women's soccer opens its 2023 campaign with a road matchup against Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Led by fourth-year head coach Erik Solberg, the Lady Lions have 20 regular-season matches on their schedule this season, with seven being played at home.

"Going from year three to four, it's a big transition season for us," Solberg remarking the upcoming season. "We lost a few [players] to the transfer portal, in which there are big shoes to fill, but I'm confident in the depth and competitiveness of our team. We're very balanced with 11 returning players and 11 new players, and I believe that each person on our roster can contribute and compete at a high level when given the minutes to do so."

This is the first meeting between the two programs, as Tougaloo prepares for year two after the program's inaugural season last fall. Yet another road match to start to the season, UAPB looks to strategize their season game-by-game.

"The main goal is to evaluate ourselves properly, and take things one game at a time," Solberg said. "We have a challenging non-conference that features Markee matchups like North Alabama and FBS & Power-5 Member Oklahoma, but those matches are key for us in terms of getting ourselves better prepared for conference play."

The lone preseason all-conference selection in Iyanah Hicks returns for the Lady Lions as one of the veterans on this squad. However, both incoming and returning players have the capability of providing a spark on the field for UAPB.

"We have an extremely competitive group this season. It's hard to single anyone out, and I'm excited about that," Solberg said about his team. "Looking forward to this team being one of the deepest teams I've had during my time here. Each has the grit and grind to provide positive feedback on the field for us. Iyanah Hicks returns as one of our captains along with Brisha Musungu and Makaila Riedel. Along with others that can compete at a high level, I'm just excited to see where this team will be at the end of the season."

The Lady Lions are set to battle Tougaloo College at 7 P.M. CST. Follow @UAPBLionsRoar and @UAPBLionsSoccer on social media for more updates.