The Hinds Community College men’s soccer team will continue the 2009 season with a play-in game against Meridian Community College 6 p.m. Friday on the campus of Pearl River Community College in Poplarville. 

Initially, it appeared the season was over for the Hinds Eagles after Hinds lost in the finals of the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) state tournament on Sunday. 

Due to Meridian’s record versus in-state opponents, Hinds still has an opportunity to play on. The MACJC ruling states that if Meridian has a .500 record or better against Mississippi community college opponents, then Meridian will automatically qualify for the Region XXIII finals. 

However, the Eagles of Meridian had a below .500 record against Mississippi opponents. Therefore, the Meridian Eagles will have to play the runner-up of the state tournament, which was Hinds, to see which team will face off in the regional championship game against state champion Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. 

Hinds hopes to get another shot at Gulf Coast, as the Bulldogs defeated the Eagles 3-2 in double overtime on Sunday night to claim the state title. The regional championship will be held on Saturday with the play-in game winner of Friday night and Gulf Coast.