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No. 20 Commodores Prepare for SEC Opener 9/23/2005 The No. 20 Commodores host the Lady Razorbacks of Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. The Commodores (7-1) are riding a seven- game winning streak that has been highlighted by a dominant defense, allowing only three goals all season. Arkansas (3-4) is coming off a 2-0 home victory over S.E. Louisiana, however it has been an up-and-down season thus far for the Lady Razorbacks. After a season-opening win at Tulsa, they dropped two straight decisions to Oklahoma and No. 23 Kansas. Upon returning home they moved back to .500 with a victory over Oral Roberts, only to fall back under with losses to George Mason and Liberty. In Arkansas’ four losses, it has been shut out three times and outscored 7-1. In its three wins, the team has outscored its foes 10-1. While the team has struggled to find its rhythm and consistency in the preseason, the first game in the always-tough SEC promises today’s match to be a good one. Not only do Head coach Ronnie Coveleskie Hill’s Commodores have their best non-conference record heading into the Southeastern Conference opener against Arkansas, but it has also been a season full of records and accolades. Their seventh-straight victory ties the mark for most consecutive victories in a single season. The team’s six consecutive shutout victories were also a record. During that span junior goalkeeper Tyler Griffin set the VU consecutive scoreless minutes mark at 515, more than one hour longer in goal than the previous mark. The Commodores have also received some recognition for their early performances. Griffin was included on the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week on Sept. 12. Helping make a case for the VU defensive unit, junior Monica Buff had earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors the week before. Not to be outdone however, junior forward Lea Lafield was named both SEC Offensive Player of the Week and to the TDS National Team of the Week after she assisted one goal and then scored the game-winner against previously unbeaten Samford last Sunday. The Commodores will next host Louisiana St. on Sunday at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex. The game time has changed from a 1 p.m. start to noon to accommodate LSU’s travel plans in relations to the recent hurricanes. |
