GAME INFO
- WKU (6-1-4) vs. Sam Houston (4-3-3)
- Thursday, Oct. 1 | 6 p.m. (CT) | Bowling Green, KY | WKU Soccer Complex
- ESPN+
- Live Stats
ABOUT THE TOPS
- WKU opened CUSA play with a 1-0 loss at Liberty, marking the Hilltoppers' first defeat of the season. The match remained scoreless through 77 minutes when the Flames forced a WKU own goal to take the lead. Goalkeeper Mia Riddick matched her career high with seven saves in 74 minutes of action. Makenna Egan led the way offensively recording four shots, including two on goal.
- WKU Soccer finished non-conference play undefeated for just the second time in program history.
- As a team, the Hilltoppers sit among the nation's best defensively, ranking ninth nationally in GAA (0.364), fourth in save percentage (0.900), and 17th in shutout percentage (0.636).
- Between the posts, goalkeeper Mia Riddick has been a key part of the Hilltoppers' success, recording 33 saves while allowing just two goals this season. Riddick currently leads CUSA in goals-against average (0.24), saves, and shutouts per game (0.500), while ranking first nationally in save percentage (0.943), fourth in GAA, and 20th in shutouts (5). Riddick has earned CUSA Goalkeeper of the Week honors twice this season.
- WKU has outscored their opponents 13-4, while averaging 12.8 shots per game through the first 11 games.
- For the season, sophomore forward Makenna Egan leads the Hilltoppers with four goals, two of which came in the match against SEMO, marking her first brace of the season. Egan's three game-winning goals this season rank second in CUSA and 14th nationally.
- Midfielder Georgia Liapis has provided a team-high four assists this season, a mark that ranks first in CUSA.
- Maggie Bellair is the first Hilltopper to record multiple goals (2) and assists (2) this season.
- The WKU roster runs deep as five other Hilltoppers have found the back of the net this season: April McDonald (3), Danielle Lewin (1), Cena Carlson (1), Tyler Roth (1), and Sophia Lezizidis (1).
- Junior defender Abby Wiedermann has anchored the Hilltoppers' back line throughout the first half of the season, playing a team-leading 884 minutes. She has earned CUSA Defensive Player of the Week honors once this season.
- The Hilltoppers are led by Jason Neidell 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
- Thursday's matchup will be the fourth meeting between WKU and Sam Houston all-time.
- WKU has a 2-1-0 record against Sam Houston.
- The Hilltoppers are 0-1-0 when playing the Bearkats at the WKU Soccer Complex.
- The teams last met in 2025 in Huntsville, Texas, with the Hilltoppers earning a 1-0 victory.
ABOUT THE BEARKATS
- Sam Houston's 4-3-3 record includes wins over UTRGV, Texas Southern, McNeese, and A&M-San Antonio. Their three losses came against Kennesaw State, Houston, and Texas A&M.
- Most recently Sam Houston fell 2-1 to Kennesaw State in its CUSA opener Saturday. The Bearkats trailed 1-0 after three minutes and 2-0 after 57 minutes before midfielder Ellie Morgan scored in the 89th minute. Morgan led the team with four shots and two shots on goal.
- Midfielder Ashtyn Magnunson leads the Bearkats with four goals this season and a 0.571 shot percentage. Forward Siera Herbert follows closely behind with three goals and two assists.
- Goalkeeper Hannah Stipp has recorded the most minutes between the posts. Stipp has given up 12 goals in 10 games while collecting 47 saves.
- As a team, the Bearkats have outscored their opponents 17-15 while averaging 12.2 shots per game.
- Sam Houston finished the 2025 season with an 8-6-3 record, including a 5-2-1 finish in CUSA play. The Bearkats fell to Liberty in the CUSA Tournament semifinals.
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.
