Weekly Honors Spotlight
The Missouri Valley Conference announced its weekly honors, recognizing Brooke Gosse, Brielle LaBerge and Greta Genie for standout performances that shaped the early season narrative.
Southern Illinois posted a school‑record five‑goal shutout, defeating Western Illinois 5‑0, with Nao Katamoto assisting on all three second‑half goals and helping the team set a new benchmark.
Indiana State opened the 2026 campaign with a 3‑0 victory over Western Illinois, a performance highlighted by Meagyn Riffle’s three assists and multiple goal contributions that underscored the team’s depth.
Evansville’s debut featured transfer goalkeeper Bri Chirpich making nine saves, the most by an Aces keeper in a debut since 2005, while senior forward Brooklyn Robinson struck the equalizer in the 47th minute against Purdue.
Valpo extended its unbeaten streak to 30‑0‑3, scoring at least two goals in each of its last 33 matches, while UIC returned to action after a loss and a draw, preparing for a Thursday showdown with Eastern Washington.
Drake, the preseason favorite for the 2026 MVC title, earned four All‑Preseason Team selections — Isabella Balsley, Angela Gutierrez, Zoey Mahoney and Alanna Pennington — and is viewed as the team to beat.
Murray State endured a winless opening week under new head coach Ben Madsen, dropping two matches to tough SEC competition, whereas UNI celebrated senior day, honoring five seniors — Jenna Scholz, Kailey O'Brien, Ella Ubben, Maya Anderson and Camille Landphair — before a match against Milwaukee.
Belmont’s Greta Genie made a league‑best 10 saves in a loss to Samford, a effort that highlighted the competitive balance across the conference.