GEORGETOWN, Texas - The Hendrix College women's lacrosse team will take to the field for the first time in program history on Friday at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas at 7 p.m. It will be the first women's lacrosse game for an intercollegiate varsity team in the state of the Arkansas.

The Warriors are coached by Peri West, who also started the program at Mount Ida College in Newton, Mass. West won 21 games in three seasons (2010-12) while at the helm of the Mustangs.

Hendrix has 16 players from 10 different states on the roster.

"We have some great leadership and returning players from our club season as well as strong freshman talent from all over the country," said West. "All members of the team will be valuable assets to our success this season."

The team has already experienced success, defeating Oklahoma Baptist University 10-5 in their fall game. West says the players have shown a strong work ethic in preparation for the inaugural season.

"I am impressed with the teams' commitment and enthusiasm. Everyone is working to get better each day and is proud to be a part of the first women's lacrosse team at Hendrix College. They have been working hard in the weight room with their strength and condition coach (Reed Heim) and on the field.

"I am excited about the team dynamic and their competitiveness all over the field. We have a strong group of athletic players from good high school programs."

The Pirates of Southwestern are one of four first-year programs the Warriors will face - along with St. Mary's (Ind.) and Defiance. Rhodes College is the only other new program in the Southern Athletic Association.

After Friday's game, Hendrix will travel to the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas on Sunday. The following week, the Warriors will open SAA play on the road at Oglethorpe University and face non-conference foe Agnes Scott in Georgia.

The first home game will be on Saturday, Feb. 22 against conference rival Berry College.

"Our first home will not only be a historic event for our team, but for Hendrix College," said West. "The athletic staff, boosters and Hendrix community are truly making it a special day in which we look forward to a tailgate, giveaways for the fans, t-shirts and more.

"I am so grateful to be at a place that is so supportive of our student athletes and of the inception of women's lacrosse. It was the efforts of many that got Hendrix College women's lacrosse off the ground. The coaching staff and the team are extremely thankful to all that got us here today. We are excited to show Hendrix what we've got!"