By By Brian Craig Robinson / special to The Star
Sept. 8, 2002
The first-ever soccer meetings between visiting East Mississippi Community College and homestanding Meridian CC, saw the Eagles win their first match of the year and the Lady Eagles win their second.
Both games were dominated by MCC with matching 6-0 scores.
Both of his squads have some nagging injuries, especially the women who had to actually recruit some extra ladies once the season started.
One of the new players (Laura Johnson) scored a goal in the early contest. Katie Bergin and Lindsey Key paced the Eagles with a pair of goals each to lead the Eagles while Cheri R. Wilson also chipped in a goal.
The men featured Michael Bergen, Brandon Rogers, and Brian Stringer scoring goals in the first seven minutes to jump on the visitors. Brian Bledsoe and Brian Stringer provided assists.
The Lions did fight valiantly in the second half ,seeming to solve the Eagle offensive attack, but it was too little too late, and their offense was non-existent.
Bennett went on to add that his men's squad has come a long way since practice began and that he was proud of their effort. Bennett also coaches Starkville High.
Brandon Rogers added another goal in the first half and freshman John Irby knocked in a pair to sandwich Rogers goal and salt away the victory.
MCC starts division play next, traveling to Co-Lin and EMCC will attempt to pick up its first wins of the season when they travel to powerhouse Hinds Community College.
The MCC women improved to 2-2 and the men upped their record to 1-2.