Women's Soccer Returns Home for Regular Season Finale

Belmont (3-6-7) (1-4-3 MVC) vs Illinois State (6-5-7) (3-1-4 MVC)
Thursday, October 29 | 1:00 p.m.
E.S. Rose Park | Nashville, TN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont women's soccer will close out the 2025 regular season on Sunday afternoon, traveling to Normal, Illinois, to take on Illinois State in its final Missouri Valley Conference matchup of the year. The Bruins (3-6-7, 1-4-3 MVC) look to finish the season on a high note and carry positive momentum into the offseason.

Belmont enters the season finale after a competitive run through conference play highlighted by strong defensive performances and balanced scoring across the roster. The Bruins have recorded six shutouts this fall, holding opponents to just 1.25 goals per game and allowing fewer than 12 shots per match. Graduate goalkeeper Sydney Jones has anchored that defensive effort, posting 82 saves, a .804 save percentage, and multiple game-saving performances throughout the year.

The back line — led by Lillie Tabor, Megan Miller, Teagan Downs, and Sami Bird — has been a model of consistency for the Bruins. Their composure, positioning, and ability to build out of the back have helped Belmont control tempo and limit high-quality opportunities. In midfield, Ava Labocki and Kate Virtel have provided pace and creativity, while Katelyn Hnatek and Anna Samuel have played valuable minutes in transition and defensive coverage.

On the attacking end, Belmont's balanced offense continues to be a key storyline. Senior forward Laken Whittington leads the team with three goals and seven points, while Olivia Walker and Kennedy Wise have each tallied two goals. Kaitlyn Elliott has chipped in two game-winning goals, and Eliza Paisley has added valuable minutes and energy on the back line. The Bruins have scored nine of their 16 total goals in the second half, a sign of their endurance and ability to finish strong in tight contests.

Illinois State (6-5-7, 3-1-4 MVC) enters Thursday's match up looking to tune up before the playoff tournament. The Redbirds have been led by Abby Basler and Maddie Passini, who headline a young, energetic squad that has competed well in close games throughout conference play.

What's Bruin

• Senior forward Laken Whittington paces the Bruins in both goals (3) and total points (7), serving as a steady presence up top.
• Belmont closes the 2025 campaign on the road, aiming to finish conference play on a high note in Normal, Illinois.
• The Bruins have recorded six shutouts this season, with strong play across the back line and consistent goalkeeping from Jones and the defensive core.
• Belmont has earned over 50 corner kicks this season, creating multiple scoring opportunities through well-designed restarts.

Follow Belmont women's soccer on social media - @BelmontWSoccer on Twitter, @belmontwsoccer on Instagram and @belmontWsoccer on Facebook - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.