The Tigers were back at home this weekend for a two-game weekend. They first faced off against the nationally ranked No. 21 Rhodes College, who they defeated 1-0, a statement win for the Tigers. The following Sunday the Tigers faced off against Millsaps College, with the match resulting in a commanding 10-0 victory for the Tigers.
 
Preview - Returning Home Once Again 
 
The Tigers will be back home this Saturday night, Nov. 1st, at 5:00 PM for their final conference matchup against the quite familiar Southwestern University. If the Tigers can take care of business and defeat Southwestern University, they will end conference play as in season conference champions.
 
On the Southwestern Pirates: The rivalry between the Tigers and the Pirates share a long and storied past, one that stretches across multiple conferences and decades of competition. After years of competing in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), the two teams transitioned into the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) this past year, carrying their rivalry with them into a new era of competition.Through 48 matchups in their shared history, the Tigers have dominated the series, holding an impressive 44-3-1 record over the Pirates. Despite the lopsided numbers, the games between these two teams have never lacked passion or energy. Every time they meet, there's an undeniable sense that both programs have something to prove, whether it's the Tigers looking to continue their reign, or the Pirates fighting to flip the script.

Their most recent meetings came during the 2024 season, and both ended in heartbreak for the Pirates. The two first clashed during regular-season conference play, where the Tigers cruised to a decisive 5-0 victory. Later that same season, fate brought them together again, this time in the opening round of the SCAC Conference Tournament. In a much tighter contest, the Tigers edged out a 1-0 win, ending the Pirates' season and leaving them with unfinished business. It's no surprise that heading into this weekend's matchup, the Pirates will be motivated by revenge and the hope of finally turning the tide against the Tigers.

This season, the Pirates have shown moments of promise, currently holding a 7-6-4 overall record and a 2-2-2 mark in SAA play. While their conference performance has been uneven, they are coming off a crucial 1-0 victory over Rhodes College, a result that could not have come at a better time. The win gives them a boost of momentum heading into their showdown with the Tigers, as they fight to secure a top-six finish and earn a spot in the SAA Conference Tournament. Currently ranked fifth in the standings, the Pirates know that every point counts from here on out.

The Tigers, on the other hand, find themselves in a much more comfortable position. Having already secured both a spot in the conference tournament and a first-round bye, they enter this matchup with confidence and focus. For them, this game is less about qualification and more about maintaining dominance in the SAA and shutting down the Pirates once again.

Leading the charge for the Pirates is junior forward Jackie Powell. Powell has netted 12 of the Pirates' 24 total goals, single-handedly accounting for half of the team's offensive production. Her ability to finish under pressure makes her quite a dangerous attacking threat in the conference. The Tigers' defense will no doubt be keying in on her from the opening whistle, looking to limit her touches and cut off passing lanes to neutralize her impact. Meanwhile, the Tigers' attack will be eager to make an early statement. Known for their quick transitions and relentless offensive pressure, the Tigers will look to test the Pirates' back line early and often. If they can capitalize on their chances and establish control of possession, the Tigers could once again find themselves dictating the pace of the game.

Saturday's matchup promises to be more than just another conference game. The Pirates are out for redemption, fueled by history and the desire to finally take down the Tigers, while the Tigers aim to reaffirm their dominance and head into the postseason on a high note, where any game could be your last. With pride, playoff implications, and bragging rights all on the line, fans can expect an electric and hard-fought battle from start to finish.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers are headed to Memphis, TN, for the SAA Conference Tournament, taking place November 6-9. Matchups have not yet been announced, as conference play is still ongoing, but the Tigers have already secured a first-round bye.