West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's Leathernecks are set to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in their home opener at John MacKenzie Alumni Field in Macomb, IL, on Thursday, August 29, at 5 PM Central Time.

The Jackrabbits have a strong record against the Leathernecks, having won the last 13 matchups. This season, South Dakota State holds a 2-2 record with victories over Northern Colorado and Wyoming and losses to Kansas and Colorado College. Defender Katherine Jones was recently recognized as the Summit League's Women's Soccer Defensive Peak Performer of the Week and has contributed two assists this season.

Western Illinois began their 2024 campaign with losses to Iowa State (3-0) and Northern Iowa (5-1). Callie McMurtrey scored the team's first goal of the season against Northern Iowa, assisted by Rachel Balinao.

The Leathernecks return 23 players from their 2023 squad. Key returners include Isabel Navas Rodriguez, a fifth-year goalkeeper from Madrid, Spain; Sydnee Sagal, a fifth-year midfielder from Oconomowoc, WI; junior outside back Hana Daoudi; and Alanna Pennington, who led the team in scoring during her freshman year.

Senior attacker/midfielder Kayla Turner is highlighted as Western Illinois' Player to Watch. Turner started her career strong but faced setbacks due to injury in her sophomore year. She made a notable comeback last season and aims to continue her form into this year.

The team also welcomes seven newcomers for the 2024 season. Among them are three junior transfer forwards: Callie McMurtrey from Jefferson College, Autumn Wilson from Cody, WY, and Landry McCoid from Iowa Central CC. Additionally, four freshmen join the squad: goalkeeper Ariel Bernard, outside back Hilary Halpin, defensive midfielder Aofie Boulter, and midfielder Ava Bell.

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