Hilltoppers Advance to CUSA Championship with Victory Over Delaware

WKU Athletics Media Release

NEWARK, Del. – The Hilltoppers (13-1-6) defeated Delaware, 2-1, in the CUSA Semifinals Tuesday evening in Newark, Delaware. With the victory, WKU will advance to the CUSA Championship for the first time in program history.

HOW IT HAPPENED

WKU and Delaware traded possessions throughout much of the first half. Georgia Liapis recorded the first shot of the match in the eighth minute, but her attempt went just wide of the goal. A minute later, Alyvia Walls fired a shot toward the top of the net, but Delaware’s goalkeeper made the save. Mia Riddick recorded her first save of the night in the 14th minute after a Delaware midfielder drove downfield and recorded the Blue Hens’ first shot of the match. Shortly after, Delaware found the back of the net with a shot to the bottom-left corner to take the early lead. In the 31st minute, Georgia Liapis drew a foul to earn a free kick near midfield. Alaina Nugier stepped up and delivered a long pass into the box, where Liapis got a head on the ball. Makenna Egan found the header and fired it past the Delaware defenders to even the score. Looking for the go-ahead goal, the Hilltoppers added four more shots before halftime but were unable to find the back of the net.

WKU came out aggressively in the second half, recording five shots in the opening five minutes. Cena Carlson nearly put the Hilltoppers ahead when Liapis sent a long cross into the box, but a diving save by Delaware’s goalkeeper kept the match even. Despite WKU’s strong defensive effort, Delaware recorded its first shot of the half from the top of the box, but Riddick came up with the diving save to keep the score tied. With 10 minutes remaining, Liapis played a pass to Mya Jackson on the left side of the Tops’ attacking third. Jackson sent a cross into the box to Egan, who finished with a shot to the bottom-right corner to give WKU the lead. Delaware made one final push to equalize, but the Hilltoppers’ defense limited the Blue Hens to just one shot off target, securing WKU’s place in the CUSA Championship.

QUOTABLE

“I’m just so excited for these players,” said Head Coach Jason Neidell. “They’ve been through so much, and their togetherness is unbreakable. I love the resilience we showed after going down a goal and the way we closed out the game. So proud of this team!”

NOTABLES

• WKU advances to the CUSA Tournament Championship match for the first time in program history
• The Hilltoppers’ 13 wins this season are tied for fifth-most in program history and are the most since joining CUSA in 2014
• WKU outshot Delaware 16-6 and limited the Blue Hens to just three shots on goal
• Makenna Egan scored her ninth and 10th goals of the season, recording her third brace of the year
• Egan’s fifth game-winning goal moves her to second in program history
• With her third assist of the season, Mya Jackson has recorded a point in each of the last four matches
• Georgia Liapis recorded her fifth assist of the season and 10th of her career
• Alaina Nugier recorded her first assist of the season and second of her career
• Defenders Abby Wiedermann and Alaina Nugier played the full 90 minutes for the second consecutive match
• Goalkeeper Mia Riddick recorded two saves, bringing her season total to 50
• The victory marks WKU’s first-ever win over Delaware

NEXT UP

The Hilltoppers will compete in the CUSA Tournament Championship on Friday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. CT against the winner of the No. 1 Liberty and No. 5 New Mexico State matchup at Grant Stadium in Newark, Delaware.