Open Season
After Missouri State played four non-conference matches in the fall (going 1-2-1), Missouri Valley Conference women’s soccer’s spring season got underway this past week as Illinois State and Valparaiso each played a single-non-conference match.
 
MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE 2020-21 WOMEN’S SOCCER
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Offensive Player of the Week
Ashley Santos, Illinois State
Sr., MF, Falls Church, Va.
Santos played a part in Illinois State’s match this week against non-conference opponent Marquette. Santos found the back of the net twice in the match, the first two of her career as a Redbird. The ‘Birds fell short, 3-2, in a close match to the Golden Eagles.
 
Defensive Player of the Week
Keegan Maris, Valparaiso
R-Jr., D, Batavia, Ill.
While it’s been a long wait to return to action for all women’s soccer players, it was an even longer wait for Maris. She returned to Valpo’s lineup in the season-opening win over Chicago State after getting injured early in the 2018 season and missing the entirety of 2019, making last Wednesday her first match in 885 days. Maris played all 90 minutes at left back in the win over the Cougars, helping anchor a defense which surrendered just four shots on goal to CSU.
 
Freshman of the Week
Kelsie James, Valparaiso
Fr., F, Carmel, Ind.
It took James less than seven minutes into her Valpo career to find the back of the net, as the rookie corralled a rebound off her own blocked shot and found the upper-left corner for the opening goal in Valpo’s season-opening win over Chicago State. The goal, which came at the 6:53 mark, was the fastest goal to open a season in program history.
 
 
The Week Ahead
Weather permitting, three other league programs will play their first matches of the season.  Southern Illinois, which will be competing in the league this season as a full member, starts its 2021 spring campaign at Saint Louis on Feb. 17.
 
Yes, It’s a Non-League Match
In an unusual season in many regards, this week’s fixture for Valpo features yet another unusual sight. For the first time in program history, Valpo will face a conference opponent in regular season play in non-conference action, as it takes on UNI at a neutral site in Rockford, Ill. Head coach John Marovich enters the match with 99 career wins, just one shy of becoming the first Valpo soccer coach - men’s or women’s - to reach the century mark in victories.
 
Long Layoff for Aces
After 464 days of waiting the University of Evansville women’s soccer program will kick off the season at Bellarmine on Feb. 20. The Purple Aces will have a new, but familiar face leading the squad on the sideline with head coach Chris Phau making his coaching debut in his second stint as head coach of UE.           The Aces return 8 starters from the 2019 season, including all-MVC Second Team Emily Wolak and all-Freshman Team Kristen Harvey.
 
Panther Preview
The UNI Panthers return two seniors, Johnnie Hill and Shelby Unruh.  Notably,  UNI received the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award in September of 2020 for the 2019 season, and       UNI women’s soccer received the Academic Progress Rate Public Recognition Award for the 2018-2019 academic year.
 
ISU’s Glover Nets First Point
Illinois State’s Haley Glover grabbed her first career point as a Redbird this week, getting the assist on one of Ashley Santos’ goals. The freshman played 60 minutes against Marquette, as a starter for the ‘Birds. She fired two shots, putting one on goal.
 
Noel Notches Game-Winner
Valparaiso’s Tahelah Noel notched the eventual match-winning goal in the 32nd minute of Valpo’s season-opening win over Chicago State, drawing a penalty and then taking the ensuing penalty kick herself for Valpo’s second goal in the 2-1 victory. For Noel, it was the fourth goal of her career, but her first match-winner.
 
Drake Honored for Academics
For the 18th consecutive school year, Drake women’s soccer earned the United Soccer Coaches College Women’s Team Academic Award for its outstanding academic success. Drake women’s soccer has garnered the prestigious team academic honor every year since the program began in 2002.  This spring, the Bulldogs will play a league-only slate, beginning with a Conference match against at Indiana State on Feb. 28.
 
First Things First
Like Drake, Indiana State will play a Conference-only schedule this spring.  The Sycamores will host the Bulldogs in the season-opening match for both teams Feb. 28 in Terre Haute, Ind.
 
Defending Champs
After opening up its spring schedule with a 1-0 exhibition loss Marquette, Loyola will begin the defense of its MVC crown Feb. 28 when it visits Springfield, Mo. to battle Missouri State.  The Maroon & Gold will play its first of two contests at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two complex in Loves Park, Ill. just under a week later, squaring off against Drake on March 5. 
 
Bears Look to Start, Again
Missouri State women’s soccer’s neutral match scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 against Creighton in Kansas City, Mo., has been canceled due to adverse weather conditions.   The cancellation marks the second straight week MSU has seen a match canceled as the season opening match against Missouri Southern on Feb. 11 was also canceled due to inclement weather.  
 
Welcome Aboard
After a 5-10-2 inaugural season, the Salukis see returns of 19 letterwinners and the six-member 2020 class including Murphysboro-native Lillie Schaldemose and Louisiana Tech transfer Quinn Parks.  SIU will play a full eight-game conference schedule this spring, following a two-match non-conference schedule.