Feb. 21, 2011

RUSTON - Louisiana Tech's women's soccer team will begin its spring exhibition season on March 19 in Lafayette, La.

The spring season will be the first time the Lady Techsters will take the field since their memorable 15-6 season which was capped by a heartbreaking 2-1 double overtime loss to Boise State in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament on Nov. 4, 2010.

"This is a very challenging schedule and one in which we as coaches are looking forward to with great interest," said head coach Kevin Sherry.

Most of the opponents are not yet known, but the dates and places are set.

Tech will begin play in Lafayette, La. on March 19 against yet to be determined opponents. Then on April 2, the Lady Techsters play in the Kick for Cure Tournament, which features a 7-of-7 format, in Little Rock, Ark. Tech will play at LSU-Shreveport on April 9 followed by a game at Texas A&M Commerce on the same day.

"During the spring we want to put the players in challenging environments to see how they cope," Sherry said. "We need to test our players' commitment, mental strength, adaptability and fitness, among other things, so that we can prepare for the fall. The spring season will show us who in the team is able to cope with the added demands of fitness, self-sacrifice, commitment, dedication, hard work, never giving up attitude and self confidence."

The following week, Tech's endurance will be tested again as it participates in the Panda Cup in Dallas on April 16 and the morning of April 17. Following the game on the 17th, Tech will play at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas on its way back home to Ruston.

"Not every player is going to be able to cope with this increased intensity and work load, and this is information we need to know now as we prepare for what we hope is going to be a very successful fall season," Sherry said.