CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Citadel and Mercer meet for the first time in women's soccer when the teams face off on Friday at 4 p.m., in a Southern Conference contest at WLI Field.

The Bulldogs (5-11, 1-5 SoCon) will be playing their regular season home finale, while the Bears (9-4-2, 4-0-2) are beginning a three-game road swing. Mercer joined the SoCon this season after leaving the Atlantic Sun.

The Citadel continues to be led offensively by senior Vanessa Aponte, who scored two goals and had an assist in games against Western Carolina and East Tennessee State last weekend. She tops the Bulldogs with seven goals and 17 points and ranks fifth and sixth, respectively, in the SoCon in those categories.

Aponte is followed in the scoring department by sophomore Lea Raedle and freshman Mady Riegel with four goals apiece. Sophomore goalkeeper Naomi Carter has made 110 saves, the top mark in the SoCon and second in the nation, two behind leader Brittany Roberts of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Mercer is riding a seven-game unbeaten streak and has allowed only two goals in its six league contests. The Bears' defense is sparked by goalkeeper Maggie Cropp, who leads the SoCon in goals against average (0.64) and save percentage (.862) while tying for the lead with four shutouts.

Lauren Gassie is the top scorer with six goals and 15 points. Maddie Clark and Washida Blackman both have three goals, and Tess Patton has a team-high five assists.

Following Friday's game, The Citadel is on the road at Samford and Chattanooga next weekend to conclude regular season play. The SoCon tournament begins on Oct. 29, with all 10 league teams participating in this year's event.