West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's women's soccer team is gearing up for two crucial matches as they approach the final matchday of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) season. The Leathernecks, currently holding a record of 2-7-5 overall and 0-3-4 in conference play, will face Little Rock on Thursday and Lindenwood on Sunday.

The matchup against Little Rock marks only the second meeting between these teams, with Western Illinois previously securing a 4-1 victory back in August 2012. This encounter is significant as both teams are now regular competitors in the OVC. Meanwhile, Sunday's game against Lindenwood will be their first meeting.

Little Rock enters Thursday's game with a 1-2-4 OVC record and stands seventh in the conference. The Trojans have been on a three-game unbeaten streak and recently achieved their first OVC win against Eastern Illinois. Amaya Arias, ranking third in shots within the conference, along with Karina De Paoli, who has scored four goals this season, lead Little Rock's efforts.

Lindenwood has struggled throughout the season with a 1-6 OVC record and currently sits at tenth place. Their only conference win came against Little Rock earlier this season.

Western Illinois seeks its first conference victory after achieving four draws in seven matches so far. Last week saw them draw zero-all with Eastern Illinois before suffering a defeat to SIUE despite Sachiko Gamo's two penalty goals that narrowed the score to 4-2.

Isabel Navas Rodriguez has been outstanding for Western Illinois as goalkeeper, earning three OVC Goalkeeper of the Week awards this season. She leads the conference in saves per game and ranks highly in several other categories including save percentage and total saves.

With eight teams qualifying for the upcoming OVC Women's Soccer Championship starting October 27th, Western Illinois needs to secure points from these final games to move up from ninth place and earn their spot in the tournament.

For more information about the tournament schedule or locations visit https://ovcsports.com/tournaments/?id=30