MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama soccer head coach Graham Winkworth announced Tuesday the addition of two players to the 2015 roster.

Maggie Pierce and Jemma Purfield will join Audrey Duren, Hannah Evans and Hannah Godfrey in the Jaguars' 2015 signing class.

Pierce, a native of Mobile, Ala., is a graduate of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School where she led the Lady Jackets to an appearance in the state 7A semifinals. The defender/midfielder also plays for the Gulf Coast Texas club team.

"It is always nice when the Mobile area has players capable of making the step up to play Division I soccer and Maggie is another player, like Audrey, who I think can make the jump," Winkworth said. "Maggie attended an ID Camp we had in January and impressed us enough to offer her a place on the squad. She had a good touch on the ball and showed versatility by playing a number of roles. It is my hope that she will continue to develop by playing with such a talented group."

Purfield, a defender/forward, plays for Durham Women FC and the England U-19 team.

"Jemma is a natural lefty and is going to open up a bunch of different options for us, regarding not only who plays in what position within the team, but also what system to use from game to game," Winkworth said. "Jemma has decent pace and a wicked delivery. I have seen her play all across the front three but also as a wing back burning past opposing players and creating chances for both herself and teammates from that role. She is another exciting addition to what is already a very strong roster."

The pair join the defending Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament champions. South Alabama went 19-3-1 last season and appeared in its second consecutive NCAA Tournament. All 11 starters will return for the 2015 campaign.

"This fall cannot come soon enough for me," Winkworth stated. "Returning the starting line up from last year's championship winning team is wonderful. It is also a time though to push on and create additional depth and competition within the squad. The games we lost last year we struggled in certain areas by not having enough cover. This year that problem has been resolved. Not only do we have cover but the level of competition for playing time should really elevate the workrate of the girls to a new level each session. I am very excited.

"I feel very confident that I will be able to make one more quality addition to the squad before the season starts and it is my hope that this player will also be somebody who can potentially make an immediate impact on game days."

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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