Lady Eagles win South Division Championship

MCC Soccer teams advance into MACJC Playoffs

The rain fell on and off throughout the evening but nothing could dampen the celebration for the Meridian Community College Lady Eagles soccer team as they made history Wednesday night.

MCC defeated Copiah Lincoln Community College 3-1 in front of a home crowd on “Sophomore Night” to claim the schools first ever MACJC South Division championship in women's soccer.

MCC head soccer coach, Alex George, has seen the Lady Eagles program grow since its inception in 2002. From their humble beginnings, the MCC women's soccer program has continued to take step after step looking for their first MACJC playoff birth. Wednesday night the Lady Eagles capped off their breakthrough season with not just a playoff spot but they did so by winning the 2007 MACJC South Division Championship.

“This is a big step for this program,” said George, after guiding his Lady Eagles into the State tournament for the first time.

"It’s been a cinderella story for these ladies, we're going to use this victory tonight as a springboard into the playoffs."

The Lady Eagles were led by McKenzie Butler, Jasmine Harris and Holly Head in the first half. All three Lady Eagles scored one goal a piece to give MCC a 3-0 lead at the half.

Co-Lin then scored their lone goal of the night midway in the second half to pull back in the game at 3-1 MCC.

The Lady Eagles then held Co-Lin scoreless the rest of the game on their way to the division crown.
The Lady Eagles improved to 13-1-2 (10-1-1) and will advance to play in the MACJC soccer tournament this weekend at Hinds Community College. MCC will face Itawamba Community College, the #2 seed from the North Division, Saturday at noon.

If the Lady Eagles win that game they will play for the MACJC State Championship Sunday afternoon.

While the Lady Eagles were celebrating their championship, MCC's men were fighting for the #2 South Division spot and a birth into the playoffs.

MCC needed a win against visiting Co-Lin to extend their year into the post season.

MCC sophomore Terry Silva virtually secured the Eagles a playoff spot by scoring a hat trick, 3 goals, in the first half to give the MCC a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.

Sophomore Matthew Louge added a goal in the second half to give MCC a 4-0 lead.

MCC shutout Co-Lin 4-0.

With the win the Eagles improved to 11-4-1 (9-2-1)and earned a spot in the MACJC State playoffs this weekend at Hinds Community College.

"This is big to have both teams in the playoffs," said George, who's MCC mens team will face Hinds Community College, the #1 seed from the North Division, Saturday at 6 pm.

"We've got a lot of momentum from our win tonight. Its a big opportunity facing Hinds in the opening round. We've seen them once already this year and we have learned from that game."

Winner of the Hinds/Meridian game will advance to play in the MACJC State Championship game on Sunday.