THOMASVILLE, Ga. – After playing 10 of their 13 matches on the road, the Thomas University women's soccer team will return to TU Soccer Complex for a much-deserved four-game homestand to conclude the 2015 regular season.  The stretch includes three conference opponents currently ranked in the Top 4 of the Sun Conference standings but will begin with Ave Maria, a TSC foe stuck in the bottom third of the table, on Oct. 15.
 
Thomas University concluded its regular season road schedule with a 3-7 mark, but the team produced several quality showings while playing the third-, ninth-, tenth- and 23rd-ranked teams in the country.  The Lady Night Hawks best showing against a ranked opponent came on Sept. 27 in Miami Gardens, Fla., when the team fell 1-0 to St. Thomas.
 
In addition to gaining quality experience against some of the top NAIA sides, Julie Orlowski's team also earned two wins against an Auburn-Montgomery squad receiving votes in the national poll.  The Lady Night Hawks defeated the Lady Warhawks 3-2 on two separate occasions, once on Aug. 27 (away) and again on Sept. 19 (home).
 
With the proof and confidence that it can experience success versus top teams, Thomas University will begin a long homestand Thursday afternoon against Ave Maria.
 
Despite a 5-6 record, Ave Maria's prospects for success are trending upward after failing to win a conference match a season ago.  The Lady Gyrenes managed to earn three points from a conference match this season on Oct. 8 against Florida Memorial, and the team has already eclipsed its 2014 win total with five matches yet to be played this season.
 
Ave Maria graduated just four seniors at the conclusion of last season, giving Frank Frostino's side the continuity needed to drastically improve.  While it has yet to be determined just how much the Lady Gyrenes have developed, the team has a legitimate opportunity to finish the season at .500.  Additionally, Ave Maria has posted an impressive 3-2 record on the road.
 
The Lady Gyrenes are led offensively by Anna Koerner, Alexia Mazzoccone and Sarah McBride, a trio that has scored over half of Ave Maria's goals.
 
In the head-to-head statistical battle, the Lady Night Hawks are averaging more shot attempts per match (12 to 11.3), but the Lady Gyrenes are one of the most accurate sides in the conference, as 64-percent of the team's shots are on target compared to TU's 47-percent.
 
As per usual, Thomas University will have the goalkeeping advantage, as Sara-Ann Hartley is currently averaging 7.15 saves per game.  The Lady Gyrenes keeper, Francesca Singleton, is averaging 5.91.
 
Starting the homestand off on the right foot is of utmost importance, and the Lady Night Hawks will look to do just that Thursday afternoon against Ave Maria.  First touch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by play, and feature stories of your TU women's soccer team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksWSocc.