Western Kentucky University’s soccer squad opened its preseason with a convincing 4‑1 win over Murray State on Tuesday night, showcasing a blend of veteran poise and fresh attacking firepower that left the Hilltoppers’ coaching staff encouraged by the early chemistry.
The scoring opened early when Danielle Lewin struck in the 10th minute, giving WKU an immediate lead that set the tone for the match.
Murray State answered quickly, tying the game in the 12th minute after converting a penalty kick, but the Hilltoppers refused to be rattled.
The decisive moment arrived in the second half when April McDonald found the net in the 48th minute, slotting a corner delivery into the back of the net to restore the lead.
Sophia Lezidis added an insurance goal in the 68th minute, extending the advantage and underscoring the impact of the team’s newcomers, three of whom accounted for all four WKU scores.
Rose Finnegan capped the offensive outburst with a goal in the 72nd minute, sealing a comfortable margin and highlighting the depth of talent on the roster.
A dominant performance on both ends
WKU outshot Murray State 19‑3 overall and held an 8‑1 edge in shots on goal, a statistic that reflects the team’s control of possession and relentless pressure.
Goalkeeper Mia Riddick played every minute of the 90‑minute contest, preserving the clean sheet after the early equalizer and making several key saves.
A total of 22 players saw action, illustrating the breadth of the squad’s involvement and the coaching staff’s willingness to test multiple combinations.
Looking ahead to the next challenge
The Hilltoppers will next host Samford on Friday, August 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the WKU Soccer Complex, a match that will test the momentum built during this exhibition.
Head coach Jason Neidell described the second‑half performance as a "building block" for future success, emphasizing that the blend of experience and newcomer contributions provides a solid foundation for the season ahead.