Georgia Southern University Women’s Soccer team begins season two of competition play in the Sun Belt Conference. Last year, during the Eagle’s inaugural Sun Belt season, the team finished with 11 wins, six losses and two ties, which was their best season since 2002. They also made it to the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference tournament. Out of their 11-6-2 record, they went 5-3-1 in conference play, and never lost at home, going 5-0-2 at Eagle Field in Erk Park.

Leading the Eagles will be No. 10 Nora El-Shami. Last season during her junior campaign, the recreation management major from Milton, Georgia led the team in goals and assists from the Forward position at seven apiece, and was named to the All-Sun Belt First Team.

This season, El-Shami is looking to take the team to new heights. By her side to assist her is No. 24, Junior Forward Melinda Lukas. Last season, Lukas scored six goals, and four of those goals were game-winners scored in clutch situations. She was also named to the All-Sun Belt Second Team for the 2014 season. Both El-Shami and Lukas were named to this year’s Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Team.

In preparation for the 2015 season, the Lady Eagles competed in two exhibition games over the weekend. They defeated The Citadel on Friday 5-1 and defeated North Georgia on Sunday 2-0. Melinda Lukas scored a goal in each game.

The regular season home opener is at Eagle Field this Friday, August 21 against Jacksonville University at 7 p.m.