NATCHITOCHES, La. ? The University of South Alabama (2-0) soccer team travels to the first of two regular season tournaments this weekend when it competes in the Northwestern State Classic. The Jags play the host Demons Friday night at 7 p.m. and conclude the tournament Sunday with an 11:30 a.m. match against Lamar.

“This is a weekend that will prepare us for some of the tough road trips we have in our conference,” head soccer coach Mike Varga said. “We will be playing two quality opponents on the road, so I am anxious to see how we will do.”

South Alabama opened the 2007 season with two victories in two days over Mississippi Valley State and Prairie View A&M. USA outscored their opponents 9-1 over the two-game span, as freshman Liz Clark led the Jaguar scoring attack with four goals, including a hat trick against Prairie View. Sophomore Tiara Smith added two goals, while senior Michelle Leppert added one goal and two assists.

“You can not ask to start any better than 2-0 in the first weekend of play, so I was pleased with our first two matches,” Varga added. “There are still many things that need work, but the team played well against Mississippi Valley and Prairie View and I look for us to continue to improve.”

Northwestern State is currently 1-1 on the season. The Demons opened the season with a loss 1-0 at Southeast Missouri State, but returned home to defeat Louisiana Tech 3-0.

“Northwestern State is a well coached, disciplined team that is always in the top of their conference,” Varga stated. “They have been to the NCAA tournament and are a quality program.”

Lamar is currently 0-2 after losing both games at the Northern Arizona University Tournament. The Cardinals lost to Eastern Washington 5-0, then lost the final game of the tournament to the host school 7-0.

“I don't know much about Lamar because they are a first year program, but I know Coach Dillon will do a good job and they will play very hard,” Varga stated.

All South Alabama tournament action can be accessed online at www.usajaguars.com.