LIVINGSTON, Ala. - West Alabama women's soccer team opens up their season with a two-match series at Columbus State University Invitational this Friday and Sunday.

The Tigers open the two-match series with Rollins College Friday at 1:30 p.m. and close the series Sunday against University of Tampa at 8 a.m. in Columbus, Georgia. 

"We are excited to start the season against two of the best teams in the region," UWA head coach Graeme Orr said. "Our vision here is to create a culture of the best, playing the best."

Rollins and Tampa are both NCAA Division Two members and are both part of the Sunshine State Conference.

Top returners for the Tigers are Anele Komani, Paige Laidler and Megan Ongteco.

Standout senior Komani enters her final year at UWA. Komani led the Tigers with four goals and three assists during the 2021 spring season. Laidler had three goals and collected one assist last season. Ongteco tied Laidler for second with also scoring three goals. All three of these Tigers had one game winner.

Returning between the posts is graduate student Tabitha Weldon. The Orange Park, Florida native, recorded 27 saves in the 2021 spring season. 

"We are very grateful for Columbus State hosting this tournament and giving us the opportunity to compete," Orr said.

To stay connected with the UWA women's soccer team, follow @UWA_womenssoccer on Instagram and @UWAWomensSoccer on Twitter. General athletic news, along with game recaps and box scores, can be found at uwaathletics.com. Additional updates and information are available @UWAAthletics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.