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Leathernecks Seek to Start OVC Play on Right Track

| By: WIU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Western will take on SEMO and Morehead State this weekend

Who | Western Illinois (2-4-1) vs. Southeastern Missouri State (4-2-1) / at Morehead State (2-4-3)
When | Thursday, Sept. 21 - 3 P.M. CT / Sunday, Sept. 24 – 1 P.M. CT 
Where | John MacKenzie Alumni Field - Macomb, IL / Morehead, KY
Social Media | Instagram + Twitter + Facebook

Previous matchup: Thursday's match against SEMO will be the first time these schools have played each other in twenty-one years. Southeast Missouri State and Western have squared off only a total of four times, with those matches being played from 1999-2001. The Leathernecks hold a 2-2-0 record against the Redhawks, in a matchup that will now be played annually as both schools are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. 
Sunday's match against Morehead State will be only the second time that the schools have played against one another. In 2001, Western got a 4-2 win against the Eagles, as Sunday will mark the first time the Leathernecks have played them in Morehead. 

Scouting the opponents: The Redhawks have gotten off to a red-hot start in 2023, as they gathered a 4-2-1 record in non-conference play. Sophomore forward Cayla Koerner is currently the OVC points leader, as she's recorded three goals and three assists so far in just seven matches. Keeper Sofia Elfrink is the conference's leader in shutouts, with three so far on the season.
Morehead State has opened the season with a 2-4-3 record, scoring ten goals, while allowing sixteen. Sixth-year midfielder Colleen Swift has put in the goals and assisted one, as she's the team's points leader through nine games. The Eagles won their first conference matchup on Sunday, as they beat Little Rock one-nil. 

So far this season: So far, Western has put together a 2-4-1 record, with wins coming at Chicago State and at home vs. Green Bay. The Leathernecks have a very young squad, as seven underclassmen have made multiple starts this season. The Leathernecks have scored five, and allowed thirteen goals on the season, with four of those coming in last week's loss to Illinois State. 

Players to watch: Freshmen duo Alanna Pennington and Kelsi McThenia lead the team in goals, as both have recorded two goals. Another newcomer, Sachiko Gamo, has recorded three points on the season. Goalkeeper Isabel Navas Rodriguez opened the season with back-to-back OVC Goalkeeper of the week awards, as she's made twenty-six saves in six games played on the year. 

What's next: The Leathernecks will continue OVC play next week, as they play at UT Martin on Sunday, October 1, at 1 PM. 
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