The Virginia women's soccer team will open its 2001 campaign tomorrow in a 1 p.m. matchup with Mississippi at Klockner Stadium.
The Cavaliers start their season ranked No. 9 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, and No. 2 in the ACC preseason coaches poll, behind UNC.
Saturday's matchup with Ole Miss will mark the first meeting of the two schools.
"This is a great opportunity for them to knock someone off," coach Steve Swanson said of the underdog Rebels. "Any first game is going to be difficult because we haven't been able to see what they can do."
Regardless of the opponent, Swanson and the team are ready to get the season under way.
"I'm excited about the players, I'm excited about the team," Swanson said. "I'm really eager to get the season going."
"There is definitely a great amount of excitement about the season," senior co-captain Lori Lindsey said.
Lindsey, the 2000 ACC player of the year, will lead a well-balanced and deep Cavalier squad against Ole Miss.
"Last season we could make up our starting lineup in about a minute," Swanson said of the Cavaliers' depth. "Now it's nice because we can go through and make many different lineups. That versatility is going to be a real asset for us this season."
While the added depth and versatility gives Swanson more options, the focus of his attack will no doubt remain the same.
"The strength of this squad will be the team," Swanson said. "The system we employ is very team-oriented on both sides of the ball."
After two exhibition games in Michigan, the Cavaliers are excited to get back to the friendly confines of Klockner Stadium. Last season the Cavaliers were 7-3-0 at home.
"We're looking forward to getting back on our home field," Swanson said. "Klockner has been a great place for us to play. We're just ready to get out there and start playing"
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