West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University Leathernecks women's soccer team is preparing for two home games against Southeast Missouri (SEMO) and Lindenwood. The matches are scheduled to take place in Macomb, Illinois, on October 9 at 4:00 p.m. and October 12 at 2:00 p.m.

The Leathernecks recently gained momentum in their offense, scoring two goals in their last match for the first time since the season opener. Abigail Schilling and Claire Brown each scored in the game against SIUE. This performance has provided the team with added confidence as they approach their upcoming home matches.

Currently, Western Illinois is at the bottom of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) standings. However, with consecutive home games against SEMO and Lindenwood—both mid-table teams—the Leathernecks see an opportunity to convert recent progress into points as the regular season continues.

Abigail Schilling has been a consistent contributor this season, leading Western Illinois in goals and points as a freshman and appearing in every match. Claire Brown has also improved her performance recently, scoring in two consecutive games and tying with Kayla Turner for second-most goals on the team.

Southeast Missouri enters the weekend with a 1-11-1 overall record and a 1-2-1 mark in OVC play. The Redhawks recently secured their first win of the season against UT Martin. Despite challenges earlier in the season, they have relied on defensive organization to remain competitive. Their offense is led by a group focused on quick transitions and set pieces.

Lindenwood holds a 5-4-3 overall record and is 2-2 in conference play, placing them in the middle of the OVC standings. The Lions began conference play strongly but are coming off a loss to Tennessee Tech. Lindenwood's offense has been effective at scoring in important moments, while their defense has been able to limit opponents' opportunities. The upcoming game will be an important test for Western Illinois as they aim to use their home-field advantage.

For more information about the Leathernecks women's soccer team, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow the team on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.