The Sam Houston women's soccer team plays its first home match this Friday and to jump start the home schedule, Bearkat students are invited to Pritchett Field for a 6 p.m. "Soccer Tailgate Party."

The North Texas Eagles will be the opponent for the Bearkats Friday night. The match will start at 7 p.m. 

Highlight of the "Soccer Tailgate" will be free McKenzie's BBQ and Vitamin Water.

Students and fans are welcome to bring their own tailgate "fixings."  The tailgate party will be held on upper Pritchett Field.

Following the team's highest Southland Conference finish ever and a post-season Southland tournament semi-final appearance last year, expectations are high for the 2010 Sam Houston soccer squad.

Three Bearkats earned All-Southland Conference honors last year and all three return to lead the squad. Senior goalkeeper Jenny Pence, sophomore forward Kirby Zak and junior defender Deanna Long earned all-league honors while leading the Kats to a fourth place conference finish.

Admission to Sam Houston women's soccer at Pritchett Field is free.

For information about tickets to other Bearkat athletic home events, go online at www.gobearkats.com or visit the Sam Houston athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone is 936 294-1729.