Bowling Green, Ky. — The Western Kentucky women’s soccer team was back in action this past week with exhibition games against the University of Kentucky and Austin Peay, finishing the two-game swing with a 1-0-1 record.
On Saturday, the Lady Toppers traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to take on cross-state rival Kentucky. After a scoreless first half, the Lady Toppers got on the board first with a goal in the 79th minute. Freshman Amanda Buechel attacked down the left sideline, finding sophomore Kellie Walker open inside the box. Walker beat a defender and slotted a perfect ball across to freshman Danielle Hogue, who tucked the ball away for the finish and a 1-0 lead. Kentucky fought back with a goal of its own less than ten minutes later. The two teams battled back and forth in the remaining minutes, but neither team was able to convert and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
“I thought we did a good job defensively the entire game, forcing Kentucky to play in front of us and limiting their opportunities to long-range crosses and shots,” said Lady Topper Coach Jason Neidell. “Freshman Lily Meisner did a great job in goal handling balls cleanly on a very slick surface. I thought we found a better rhythm in the second half and did a much better job of maintaining possession and building some good attacks. Overall, I was pleased with our effort, and it was a great opportunity to get our less experienced players some quality playing time at a very high level.”
On Tuesday, the Lady Toppers played at home against Austin Peay. The Lady Toppers took control of the match early, scoring three unanswered first half goals. Ke. Walker started the scoring in the 23rd minute off assists from Buechel and sophomore Jamie Silverberg. In the 32nd minute, Silverberg and sophomore Megan Meinke teamed up down the left flank. Buechel headed home Meinke’s perfectly placed cross to take a 2-0 lead. Freshman Amy Schmitz rounded out the first half scoring in the 35th minute with assists from Hogue and sophomore Katie Walker.
In the second half, Hogue scored in the 58th minute off a through ball from Ke. Walker. Austin Peay responded with a goal of its own several minutes later. In the 79th minute, Meisner scored off a pass from junior Alaina Atcher. Atcher then sealed the 6-1 victory with an unassisted goal in the 87th minute.
“We were really clicking on all cylinders tonight,” said Neidell. “We moved players to different positions all night, and it was good to see that we didn’t miss a beat no matter who played where. Our kids played with a lot of energy and showed a really strong mentality, continuing to push themselves and each other throughout the second half. I just hope we can bottle some of this and play with this kind of composure and relentlessness in the fall.”
The Lady Toppers will host Belmont and Lindsey Wilson at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at the WKU Soccer Complex. Admission to all spring games is free.
