States and two Bermudian squads is set to commence next Friday at BAA Field.

Teams are expected from Gettysburg College, Messiah College and Connecticut College, all of which compete in Division III of the NCAA.

The man behind the tournament is BAA Club member and overseas contact Dan Tucker, who together with Alicia Tucker, Leslie Cherry and David Kniesler have brought the idea to fruition which will see the women being the first to experience the new playing surface at BAA.

"We are always willing to help out and further promote the sport,'' said Kneisler. "I just hope that the Bermuda public will come out and give their support to the women.'' Bermuda, coached by Somerset Trojans' defender Dennis Brown, have `A' and `B' teams -- the former made up of many of the same players that represented the island at the Pele International Tournament in Atlanta last August and the latter consisting of several newcomers to international competition. Missing are two key members of the squad which went to Atlanta, namely Chevonne Smith and Keeonna Saunders who have returned to school abroad.

Of the available players, Nikita Dill looks like leading the local `A' team attack as she will be counted on to score goals. Supporting her will probably be midfielder Kelly Trott while Earlene Wilkinson and Terry-Lynn Paynter are expected to keep things in order at the back.

"The girls are really interested and are up for this tournament,'' said Zuill, a key mover in organising the current local women's league. "The unity is there. They enjoy playing the game. And they get along with one another.'' Against the three college teams Bermuda will be able to gauge where their standard lies and what has to happen to improve further.

Messiah College, located in Grantham Pennsylvania compiled an impressive 13-5-0 record last year under coach Mike Russ in reaching the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) finals. Players to watch include leading scorer and striker Laura Dudley, a Regional All American and All Conference selection, as well as Leslie McGee, a very skillful midfielder, good at creating shooting opportunities.

Hailing from the state of the same name, Connecticut College with head coach Kenneth Kline, are lead by two-time All American central midfielder Kristen Supko. Sarah Ciotti and Courtney Scully make up a two-pronged attack that has proved hazardous to many a defence.

Finally Gettysburg College, also from Pennsylvania posses the MACs top goal scorer in the form of Linda Lee Papuga. Papuga netted 10 times and laid on seven assists to teammates during the 1991 campaign. The speedy Katie Michalsky anchors a sturdy defence. They are coached by second year man Todd Wawrousek.

The fourth and final World Cup spot in the North and Central America and Carribean Region's Group B is up for grabs this weekend.

Jamaica entertain a powerful Trinidad and Tobago team in Kingston tomorrow, looking to consolidate their 2-1 lead from the first leg last month, and claim a place in the second qualifying round.

One of the two will advance to join Bermuda, Canada and El Salvador in a four-strong group in which each team will play one another twice, on a home-and-away basis, with all games to be completed by the end of the year.

Bermuda Football Association director Dr. Gerard Bean will be attending tomorrow's vital match. He will also be in New York for the second round draw next Friday, along with BFA president Charlie Marshall and Alan Peacock.

Bermuda are hoping to have their first second round game played at home on September 20.