|
2009 season outlook The Southeastern Lady Fire returns 10 players from a team that went 16-4-1 last season. The Lady Fire finished second in the country last year after falling in the 2008 NCCAA II National Championship, 1-0, to Baptist Bible College. Offensively, SEU returns the program's all-time leading scorer, Melissa Kennedy. Kennedy banged home 33 goals last season while being named the 2008 South Region Player of the Year and a First Team NCCAA II All-American. Teressa Knab, who scored totalled 22 points last year, returns along with Melody Ussery who was tied for third on the team with six goals last season. Second Team All-American, Heather Conner, also returns to anchor the Lady Fire midfield. On defense, Southeastern returns starting fullbacks Megan Byrd and Jamie Willis. Willis was named a First Team NCCAA II All-American a year ago as she helped the Lady Fire defense allow just 14 goals last season, for an amazing .67 goals against average. Byrd was named a Second Team All-Region Player along with Kristina Pauls. Alise Gore, was named a First Team All-Region defender, and will be a key player in this year's Lady Fire defense as well. Southeastern will look to win their fourth straight NCCAA II South Region title this season while also playing a complete NAIA Sun Conference schedule. The 2009 season marks the final year of competition for the Lady Fire in the NCCAA II's South Region. The Lady Fire opens the season versus Florida College on September 1st.
|