MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama soccer program is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth year in row with a first-round match scheduled on Saturday, but before departing for Auburn Jemma Purfield sat down for this week's episode of the official podcast of Jaguar Athletics, "Inside JagNation."

In addition to helping the Jags claim their third straight SBC regular-season championship and fourth consecutive conference tournament title, Purfield picked up numerous honors in the last week.  Prior to the event, the sophomore from Cottingham, England was named the Sun Belt Player and Defender of the Year — receiving first-team all-league recognition as well — and after scoring three goals, including a pair of match winners, and helping USA record three clean sheets in a row she was voted the tournament's Most Outstanding Player and to the all-tourney squad.  Entering the Jaguars' 12 p.m. (CST) match-up against the Tigers Purfield leads the team with 11 goals, seven assists and 29 points, and her efforts have helped South limit the opposition to a 0.69 goals-against average while going 15-5-1.

Last fall, her first at the collegiate level, she was chosen the SBC Freshman of the Year and second-team all-conference and was named third-team all-region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America after posting three goals and 11 assists as the Jags finished 18-3-2 including a defeat of Louisiana State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Click here for Episode 16 of "Inside JagNation"

Purfield discusses in this week's episode how the team's first meeting with Auburn during the regular season, as well as a win over then-No. 1 Florida State and matches against two other Southeastern Conference opponents factor in the team's preparation for the postseason.  In addition to explaining why she believes this year's team repeated as both Sun Belt regular-season and tournament champions, she talks about the decision to come to the United States and play at the collegiate level, her first experience on South's campus and competing in both club and international competitions in England.

Click here for "Inside JagNation" archives

To download free episodes of "Inside JagNation," USA fans and supporters can search for "South Alabama Jaguars" on iTunes.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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