West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's women's soccer team is set to face Southern Indiana and Tennessee Tech in their upcoming Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) matches. The Leathernecks, with a current record of 2-4-4 overall and 0-0-3 in the OVC, will host Southern Indiana on Thursday, October 5 at John MacKenzie Alumni Field in Macomb, Illinois. They will then travel to Cookeville, Tennessee, to play against Tennessee Tech on Sunday, October 8.

Historically, Western Illinois has won both previous encounters against Southern Indiana, which took place in 2007 and 2009. As they prepare for their first-ever match against Tennessee Tech, the Leathernecks aim to extend their winning streak against the Screaming Eagles.

Southern Indiana started the season slowly but has improved recently with a record of 2-1-3 since September 7. The team holds a 1-1-1 record in OVC play and is led by Pillar Torres, who has scored three goals this season. Meanwhile, Tennessee Tech is considered one of the top teams in the conference with an overall record of 4-4-3 and three consecutive wins in OVC play. The Golden Eagles have scored the most goals in the conference this year.

Western Illinois has adopted a strong defensive strategy this season. They are tied for first place in goals allowed during OVC play, having conceded only one goal across three matches. The team's recent results include two nil-nil draws and a one-all draw against UT-Martin last Sunday.

Key players for Western Illinois include goalkeeper Isabel Navas Rodriguez, who has received three OVC Goalkeeper of the Week awards this year. Defenders Emmy Ellington, Rita Moran, Ali Matthews, and Sarah De Gannes have also delivered impressive performances throughout the season. De Gannes recently returned from international duty with Trinidad and Tobago's senior team.

Following Sunday's match against Tennessee Tech, Western Illinois will continue their OVC campaign with four more matches over the next two weeks. Their schedule includes hosting Eastern Illinois and traveling to Edwardsville to face SIUE.