The Lee University women's soccer team will treat fans to entertaining doubleheaders on Thursday and Saturday when it hosts the Lady Flames Opening Kickoff Weekend at the Ray Conn Sports Complex. 
 
Lee will be joined by Ohio Dominican, Carson-Newman, and Cedarville (Ohio). Thursday's action finds Carson-Newman facing Cedarville (4:30 p.m.) followed by the Lady Flames and Ohio Dominican at 7 p.m. It will also be free Mayfield Ice Cream evening.
 
On Saturday play will begin at 11 a.m. with Ohio Dominican squaring off against Carson-Newman and the Lady Flames tangle with Cedarville at 1:30 p.m. 
 
Lee completed the 2021 season with an unbeaten 19-0-1 record after a stunning 1-1 draw with Florida Tech in the NCAA South Region final that was hosted by the Lady Flames. The visitors advanced because of 3-2 decision in penalty kicks. Ohio Dominican completed a 2021 season with a 7-8-3 record.  
 
The two clubs tangled in Ohio last season with the Lady Flames escaping with a 1-0 victory. This year the Panthers are picked to finish fourth in the Great Midwest Atlantic Conference. The Lady Flames are projected to repeat as champs of the Gulf South Conference. 
 
"We are still growing and overall, and the team has made good progress this preseason" said Lee Coach Chris Hennessey. "The positive is that we have seen improvement in each preseason scrimmage. I really like this team as a group. They are working hard and once we finally gel as a team; it will be an exciting season." 
 
Two Lady Flames were named to the Preseason All-GSC Team. Defender Katie Dirkse and midfielder Mallory Hayden were selected while the team should also get plenty of help from returnees Sage Sammeli, Avery Engels, Lauren Weimer and Jordan Blair. 
 
Old Dominican is led by senior forwards Callan Myers and Ryanne Buck. Goalkeeper Jade McNerney was credited with 65 saves last season.  
 
Cedarville finished at 12-6-1 last year and lost to the Lady Flames 2-1 in an early battle in Cedarville. The Yellow Jackets ended the tournament season by taking NCAA DII National Champion Grand Valley State to the wire before falling 2-1 in overtime.    
Carson-Newman posted a 10-5-3 record in 2021 and the Eagles have players returning that scored 25 of their 31 goals last season. The Eagles are led by the outstanding Addie Henry. They are projected to finish third in the rugged South Atlantic Conference behind Catawba and Lenoir Rhyne. However, Carson-Newman will enter competition with a goalkeeper without a minute of college experience.