BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Three members of the West Liberty University men's soccer team were recognized on Thursday as the Mountain East Conference announced its 2025 all-conference awards. Freshman midfielder Ethan Neathery, sophomore defender Lachlan Quate, and junior defender Jasper Newton each earned All-MEC Honorable Mention recognition for their strong seasons with the Hilltoppers.

Neathery, a first-year standout from Drumquin, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, made an immediate impact in the midfield for West Liberty, starting all 16 matches. The 5-foot-11 playmaker logged more than 1,300 minutes of action and contributed two goals on the season — both coming in key conference matches against Salem and West Virginia Wesleyan.

Quate, a 6-foot-5 defender from Inverness, Scotland, followed up his All-Freshman Team selection from a year ago with another impressive campaign anchoring the Hilltopper back line. Starting all 17 contests, Quate totaled five points with one goal and three assists while helping West Liberty post multiple clean sheets during the season.

Newton, a 6-foot-1 junior from Stockport, England, earned All-MEC Honorable Mention honors for the second straight season after being named to the All-MEC Second Team and All-Freshman Team in 2023. A steady presence in the defensive third, Newton appeared in 18 matches with 17 starts, recording two goals and one assist. His scores included the game-winner against Davis & Elkins and another goal in the 5-4 victory over Salem late in the season.

Together, the trio played crucial roles in helping West Liberty remain competitive throughout a rugged MEC slate and secure a postseason berth.

The Hilltoppers will now turn their attention to the MEC Quarterfinals, where they'll face Point Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh.