ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Valley Conference began the 2024 season with Valley women's soccer programs recording a combined 8-4-6 (0.556) record over the weekend. Indiana State, UIC, and Valparaiso all won their lone match to start off the season undefeated.

Team Highlights:  Indiana State recorded its second hat-trick in its women's soccer program history and set school single-match records for goals, points, and assists. Valparaiso won its first road season-opener since 2018. The Belmont Bruins earned their first comeback victory since Sept. 22, 2022.

Coaching Milestones:  Raleigh DeRose made her coaching debut for Illinois State and earned a victory in her first match. Kirk Nelson earned his 25th win and shutout for the Missouri State Bears in his third season as head coach.

The MVC continues play on Thursday, Aug. 22. Three Valley teams will play "power" teams this weekend with Belmont playing Vanderbilt on Thursday; UIC is at Purdue and Illinois State travels to Illinois on Sunday.

Player of the Week: Alexa Mackey, Indiana State
Defender of the Week: Ava Watson, Illinois State
Goalkeeper of the Week: Addie Ford, Drake 
Freshman of the Week: Breece Bass, Murray State