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Lady Demons face Southeastern La Friday to open conference play

9/29/2011 11:57:00 AM

By: Matthew Fowler, Soccer SID

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NATCHITOCHES – After a very strong showing in the non-conference part of its schedule, Northwestern State will begin conference play on Friday at 7 by taking on reigning Southland Conference champion Southeastern Louisiana at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.

“We are all at 0-0 now,” said head coach Jimmy Mitchell. “It is really hard to gauge where everyone is from the non-conference schedule.  I do feel as if we have gotten better since the start of the season, but I do think that there is still a lot of room for growth this season.”

Northwestern State (6-4) is fourth in the overall games played standings going in to conference play behind SLU (6-2-1) , Stephen F. Austin, and Nicholls, but are tied for the most wins with SLU and Nicholls. The top team in the standings and the ninth team (Sam Houston) are separated by only three games.

“The SLC is one of, if not the most balanced conference in the nation,” said Mitchell. “On any given day anyone can win or lose.”

Senior forward Meghan Hunter will enter the game after coming off her first career hat trick in an 8-2 win over Texas Southern last Friday.  She has scored 14 points on the season and leads the Lady Demons in goals scored (5) and assists (4).

Sophomore Yanci Johnson is right there with Hunter, having scored three goals with two assists for eight points.

Goalkeeper Jessica Danku has been fantastic between the pipes having already been recognized as SLC Goalkeeper of the Week twice this season.  Danku has a 5-4 record on the season with 48 saves in 800 minutes played.  She ranks first in the league in saves ahead of Sam Houston's Michele McCullough who has 40.

Sophomore defender Danielle Harding has stepped in on defense to play a big role in the NSU backfield and has helped lead the Lady Demons to three shutouts on the season.  She has played in nine of the 10 games and has played a total of 693 minutes. 

“The one frustrating thing is that we have endured so many injuries that our lineup is constantly changing, but I think our coaches and players have done a good job of adapting,” said Mitchell.  “I believe strongly that if we can catch a break and get healthy at the right time we have a chance to do some special things.”

Southeastern is led by junior forward Maiya Cooper who has collected 22 points from 10 goals and two assists on the season.

“SLU won the regular season last year and has most of its players back,” said Mitchell.  “They are very talented and they know how to win games.  They will be a big challenge for us right out of the gate.  It is good to have them here at our place with our fans in our atmosphere, and that is always a big advantage.”

Friday's game is Camper Night.  Any child who attended Lady Demon Soccer camp or is wearing a youth soccer jersey, will get in free with a paying adult.

 
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