WHEELING, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's soccer team will close out the 2025 season on Wednesday afternoon with a road matchup at Mountain East Conference rival Wheeling University. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Bishop Schmitt Field.

The Hilltoppers (3-13-1, 1-11-1 MEC) look to finish the year on a high note after showing steady improvement down the stretch. West Liberty will aim to split the season series after falling 1–0 to the Cardinals in the teams' first meeting on Sept. 17 at the West Family Athletic Complex.

Perla Bäckberg and Maya Taggart have powered the Hilltoppers' attack this fall, each recording six goals and two assists to share the team lead with 14 points. Emma Lieu has added two goals and a team-high four assists, while Abby Kightlinger has chipped in two goals and a game-winner. In total, 10 different Hilltoppers have found the back of the net this season.

Goalkeeper Cianna Butera has been a consistent presence between the posts, starting 16 matches and tallying 133 saves — the most in the Mountain East Conference. Her efforts have helped West Liberty stay competitive in several close matches, including a pair of one-goal setbacks in league play.

Wheeling (3-10-4, 1-8-4 MEC) enters the contest with a postseason berth on the line, needing a win or draw to secure the No. 4 seed in the MEC North Division and its second consecutive conference tournament appearance. The Cardinals are led offensively by Graceylyn Hanna, while goalkeeper Akyla Walcott has anchored the defense with a .714 save percentage.

West Liberty holds a 16-8-2 advantage in the all-time series, though the Cardinals have taken the last two meetings, including last year's 2–1 decision in West Liberty.