The Wildcats face a tough University of Central Missouri team as both schools launch their seasons Friday at 5 p.m. on the Wildcat soccer field.

Central Missouri is coming off back-to-back MIAA Conference championships and are favored to win a third straight title in 2009. The Jennies return nine players from last year’s squad, including four all-Conference selections, the conference MVP, and Co-Freshman of the Year. The team finished the 2008 season with a No. 21 national ranking, going 15-4-2.

Last year’s Lone Star Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, ACU’s Chrissy Lawson, will have her hands full as Central Missouri returns reigning MIAA MVP Melanie Hall. Hall led the MIAA with seven game-winning goals in 2008.

ACU has high hopes for 2009 after earning a berth in the LSC postseason tournament last year. The game against Central Missouri will serve as a measuring stick for how far the Cats have come during the offseason.

The Wildcats’ busy weekend continues as they face the St. Mary Rattlers Sunday at 1 p.m. on the Wildcat soccer field.

The Rattlers are picked to finish fifth in the Heartland Conference this year. Last year, St. Mary finished with a 5-12-2 record, finishing fifth in the conference.