is hopeful of qualifying for the regional play-offs this season after narrowly missing out a year ago.

The 23-year-old is one of the hottest forwards in the Southern Region and his 16 goals and nine assists ranks him among the top college scorers.

His great ability was recognised last week when he helped his school to two consecutive victories in a tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a "weird'' ranking system had Alabama finishing second -- behind winners Charlotte University without the two teams even meeting in a play-off. Darrin Lewis of Bermuda played for Charlotte.

Hill's performance was nevertheless noted and he was one of three team members chosen All-tournament players. Another Bermudian, Stanton Lewis was also bestowed with this honour.

While Hill is regarding this second season in college soccer as his best ever, he is clearly becoming frustrated over their ranking system. "It just doesn't make any sense to me at all, but I am still enjoying playing with the team,'' he said.

Other Bermudians in the Alabama team in addition to Lewis are Maceo Dill, Shawn Russell and Richard Todd.

Even with two games left to play Hill has already surpassed his scoring rate of a year ago when he netted 13 times and had nine assists, which was a performance good enough to earn him sixth place overall in the individual ranking. This time he is hopeful of earning a higher ranking.

"But you never know just how they analyse things out here, it's just a weird system,'' he said. "We are just as anxious to see how they rank the team after just missing out going to the play-offs by two positions last season.'' Hill, who has been used more as a regular than the other local players, has operated on the left wing most of the time, which is the same position he held with Hamilton Parish and the Bermuda national team. He last represented Bermuda against Aberdeen last summer, coming off the bench as a substitute.

A college junior who is majoring in Urban Planning, Hill is kept abreast with the progress made by the Bermuda national team in the World Cup and said he is "very proud'' of their accomplishments.

"My mother keeps me well informed, it has been pleasing news so far despite their last loss. The team has just got to hang in there and the Bermuda fans must continue to stick behind them.

"Regardless of what happens during the next two games Bermuda has accomplished a lot and the future does look good. I am anxious to become involved in the national programme when I finish here,'' he said.

COREY HILL.