GAME INFO
- WKU (9-1-6) vs. New Mexico State (3-10-3)
- Sunday, Oct. 25 | 1 p.m. CT | Bowling Green, Ky. | WKU Soccer Complex
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
ABOUT THE TOPS
- The Tops hold a 3-1-2 record in CUSA play, including wins over Sam Houston, Missouri State, and Jax State, along with draws against Delaware and FIU. WKU currently sits third in the CUSA standings.
- Thursday night, the Hilltoppers' offense exploded for a 7-1 victory over Jax State. WKU wasted no time offensively, as Danielle Lewin scored just 38 seconds into the match. Alyvia Walls doubled the lead in the 16th minute off a corner kick from Lewin before Makenna Egan, Rylee Finol, and Georgia Liapis each found the back of the net to give the Tops a 5-0 halftime lead. Cena Carlson headed home a cross from Raegan Thompson in the 54th minute. Lewin added her second goal of the night shortly after, beating a defender to make it 7-0. Jax State scored in the 82nd minute, but WKU secured the dominant 7-1 victory. The Hilltoppers' seven goals set a program record for the most goals scored in a conference match.
- The Hilltoppers rank among the nation's best defensively, sitting 11th in goals-against average (.500), 23rd in save percentage (.855) and 23rd in shutout percentage (.563).
- WKU has outscored its opponents 26-8 while averaging 12.8 shots per game.
- Between the posts, Mia Riddick has established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the country, recording 44 saves and allowing just five goals in 15 games played. Riddick currently leads CUSA in goals-against average (0.38), save percentage (.898), and shutouts per game (.467). Nationally, Riddick ranks fourth in save percentage, seventh in goals-against average, and 25th in shutouts (seven). With seven shutouts, Riddick is tied for eighth in program history for single-season shutouts. She has earned CUSA Goalkeeper of the Week honors three times this season.
- Sophomore forward Makenna Egan leads WKU with eight goals, including two braces against SEMO and Sam Houston. Egan scored against Jax State and added two assists. She is tied for the CUSA lead in goals, while her four game-winning goals rank second in CUSA, 21st nationally, and fourth in WKU program history.
- Danielle Lewin leads CUSA with six assists, including two against Jax State. Lewin recorded the first brace of her WKU career against Jax State, bringing her season total to three goals.
- Georgia Liapis has recorded two goals and four assists, tying her for second in CUSA in assists.
- Alyvia Walls has scored three goals this season, all coming in her last four matches.
- Six other Hilltoppers have scored this season: April McDonald (3), Maggie Bellair (2), Cena Carlson (2), Rylee Finol (1), Tyler Roth (1) and Sophia Lezizdis (1).
- Defender Kora Kipley has been a key part of the Hilltoppers' defensive success, logging a team-high 1,172 minutes this season.
- WKU finished non-conference play undefeated for just the second time in program history.
- The Hilltoppers are led by Jason Neidell, who is in his 26th season on The Hill as the only head coach in WKU women's soccer history. Neidell earned CUSA Coach of the Year honors last season.
SERIES HISTORY
- WKU holds a 1-2-0 all-time record against New Mexico State.
- This will be the fourth meeting between the teams.
- When playing at the WKU Soccer Complex, the Hilltoppers hold a 1-1-0 record against the Aggies.
- The teams last met in 2025 in Bowling Green, with WKU earning a 2-0 victory over New Mexico State.
ABOUT THE AGGIES
- New Mexico State holds an overall record of 3-10-3, including a 2-3-1 mark in CUSA play. The Aggies' two conference wins came against FIU and MTSU. In the latest CUSA standings, New Mexico State is tied for eighth with MTSU and Jax State.
- The Aggies have been outscored 29-8 this season.
- Most recently, New Mexico State defeated MTSU, 1-0, Thursday night. The match remained scoreless through the first half before Emma O'Neill scored the game-winning goal in the 64th minute to give the Aggies their first CUSA road win. Goalkeeper Karolanne Lafortune recorded her third shutout of the season.
- Offensively, Esme Arenas leads the Aggies with two goals and five points this season. Arenas has appeared in all 16 games for New Mexico State.
- Gabi Hislop and Daniella Portillo have each recorded a team-high two assists for the Aggies.
- Goalkeeper Karolanne Lafortune has recorded 76 saves while allowing 20 goals in 13 matches. Lafortune holds a 3-7-2 record this season.
How to follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Soccer, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKU_Soccer on X and Instagram.
