Bengals turn dirt on soccer field

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History was made Wednesday at LSU Eunice s a ground breaking ceremony was held for the construction of the soccer fields.
“This is an exciting time for us,” LSUE chancellor Kimberly Russell told the crowd. “This new soccer complex will be completed Oct. 1 and will serve the LSUE campus and our region for many years to come.
Russell said the new complex will not only support the LSUE men’s and women’s teams, but it will also benefit the community and region.
“Through a partnership with the city of Eunice and its parks and recreation department, LSUE will manage the region’s recreational youth soccer programs and will promote Louisiana competitive soccer leagues by providing a fun and safe environment for kids to play this beautiful game.”
Russell said according to One Acadiana extimates, the tournaments and regional youth soccer leagues held at LSUE will contribute more than $350,000 to $450,000 of economic growth per year for the area.
“We could not have done this without the LSUE Foundation,” she said. “This whole project is being funded through the Foundation and short term construction loans.
“By utilizing the LSUE Foundation, we had an opportunity to bring local partners together for this project without the use of state dollars.”
Russell also said the Lady Bengal softball field will also be getting lights during the construction process.
“This is our 20th year of intercollegiate athletics on the campus of LSU Eunice,” athletic director Jeff Willis said. “We have come along way as we started off two sports – men’s baseball and women’s basketball.
“Now we are tripling in size this school year with six teams which provide tremendous opportunity for these athletes to be a part of a team and then go on after here to four-year institutions to continue to play their sport.”
There will be an exhibition Saturday with a 3 p.m. doubleheader at LSU Alexandria.
LSUE will also have exhibition games against Louisiana College on Aug. 18 and East Texas Baptist on Aug. 21.
The regular season begins at 2 p.m. on Aug. 24 against Delta State University.
During the construction, home soccer games will be held at Moore Park in Lafayette.