HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hilltoppers came out aggressive, taking the lead in the third minute of the match as April McDonald found the lower right corner of the net with a header off a corner kick from Georgia Liapis. The connection marked the duo's second in just two games. The Hilltoppers managed to get off four more shots in first half, but could not find the back of the net.
Bowling Green native Maggie Bellair doubled the Hilltoppers' lead, driving down field and finding the back of the net to put WKU up 2-0 in the 48th minute of play. Goalkeeper Mia Riddick and the WKU defense held strong throughout the remainder of the match, securing the Hilltoppers' third clean sheet of the season.
QUOTABLE
"One of the goals we set was to win the critical fives," said head coach Jason Neidell. "We came out and scored an early goal in the first half and an early goal in the second half. I thought that really set the tone for the game. Ball State is a really good team. I thought getting on top of them early was significant to the outcome. It was a great game for growth for our team."
"It felt awesome," said Maggie Bellair on her goal. "My mom, stepdad, and sister were here. It was just amazing to play in front of my community and get that first career goal."
NOTABLES
- WKU's 2-0-2 record is the best start since 2021
- The Hilltoppers outshot the Cardinals 10-5 in the match
- Maggie Bellair recorded her first career goal
- April McDonald's goal was her second in just two games and of the 2026 season
- Georgia Liapis recorded her second assist of the season and the seventh of her career
- WKU Soccer moves to 2-1-0 against Ball State all time.
NEXT UP
The Hilltoppers will take on Union on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7:00 PM at the WKU Soccer Complex. Admission to all WKU Soccer games at WKU Soccer Complex is free.
