BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After a gritty Thursday night match to kick off the season, the Samford women's soccer team will now travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to face the Blue Raiders of MTSU. The match is set for 4 p.m. at the Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium.
 
The Bulldogs are coming off a tightly contested match against Auburn on Thursday night. Despite scoring first and producing seven shots throughout the match, Samford ultimately fell to the Tigers by a 2-1 final decision. Middle Tennessee Stated produced an overall record of 3-3 last year during its Covid shortened season. The Blue Raiders will host Belmont to officially open their 2021 fall season on Friday before taking the pitch against the Bulldogs.
 
NOTES
 
Opponent: vs. Middle Tennessee State
Date: Sunday, August 22
Location: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Site: Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium.
Time: 4 PM CT
 
COVERAGE:
Live Stats
Live Video
 
SERIES HISTORY

• Samford and MTSU have taken the field together five times.
• The Blue Raiders hold a 3-1-1 advantage in the series.
• In their last meeting, the Bulldogs captured a 3-0 victory over MTSU.   

 
BULLDOGS TO WATCH

• Junior midfielder Mary Raymond had an impressive start to her 2021 fall season after scoring Samford's lone goal against SEC opponent Auburn. Last year, Raymond played in all 13 matches for the Bulldogs, making six starts and recording 574 minutes on the pitch.
• After a medical red-shirt due to injury last season, Grace Sommi made her official return for Samford on Thursday night. With her return, Sommi will now transition into an offensive role for the Bulldogs. The senior recorded a goal in Samford's 2-1 exhibition win against Murray State and logged a total of 50 minutes against Auburn.
• Anna Major was one of two freshmen to make their collegiate debut against the Tigers. In her 33 minutes on the field, Major aided Samford defensively and created key opportunities in front of goal from the midfield position.

 
MTSU QUICK LOOKS:

• Middle Tennessee State has competed against Tennessee Tech and Austin Peay in exhibition matches, resulting in a 2-0 win over the Golden Eagles and a 1-1 split against the Governors.
• The Blue Raiders are returning their starting goalkeeper, Hannah Suder, after she played all but eight minutes last season, recording 14 saves and producing clean sheets against Old Dominion and Florida International.
• Top goal scorer from last season, Petyon DePriest, is also returning for MTSU after taking advantage of her Covid year eligibility. The senior has logged a career total of 4,053 minutes on the pitch, registering 46 goals, eight assists, and 178 shots with 98 being on frame for the Blue Raiders.

 
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford women's soccer, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSoccer (Twitter), and @SamfordSoccer (Instagram).