West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University women's soccer team kicks off its 2025 season on Thursday evening with a road trip to Indiana (Pa.) University, looking to build on back-to-back Mountain East Conference Tournament appearances under third-year head coach Pete McMenemy.
In just two short years on the hilltop, McMenemy has transformed the program's outlook, and he believes this year's squad is ready to take another step forward.
"When we came in, we focused on changing the mentality and the way we play," McMenemy said. "Now I feel we can match up with anyone we face."
That confidence starts between the posts, where sophomore Cianna Butera returns after an eye-catching freshman season. Thrust into the starting job from day one, Butera started 16 matches, led the MEC in saves (115) and saves per game (7.19), and finished among the league's best in save percentage. McMenemy praised her knack for coming up big when it matters most.
"She makes the big saves — the ones that keep you in games — and she deserved more than what the results showed last year," he said. Freshman Rayna Hoover adds depth and competition in goal.
The defense looks much deeper this fall with the return of three seniors — Ellinor Jansson, Beatrice Allan, and Marisa Knouff — who all missed last season due to injury. They'll join steady sophomore Rylyn Bielinski, senior Holly Brighton, and freshman Corinne Westbrook to form a unit that McMenemy believes will be far tougher to break down.
In midfield, Abigail Barki shifts centrally after showing promise in the spring, while transfers Dena Stallings and Isabella Guerra bring experience and quality. Guerra, in particular, arrives with pedigree as a two-time First-Team All-Conference player at Illinois Central Junior College. Freshmen Rylee Stottlemyer (a state champion at Washington High School) and Kallie McCutcheon (an All-State standout from Parkersburg South) add depth and youthful energy.
Up front, senior Maya Taggart leads the line, bringing work rate and leadership in addition to her attacking contributions. She'll be joined by a dynamic new group of forwards, including Swedish standouts Frida Lundberg, a technical finisher with a natural scoring touch, and Perla Bäckberg, a versatile and intelligent attacker. Freshman Leah Paugh, a physical presence from East Fairmont, rounds out the forward corps.
The season opener at IUP offers an early test against a PSAC opponent before West Liberty returns home on Sunday, Sept. 7, to host another PSAC team, Seton Hill in the home opener at the West Family Athletic Complex at 1 p.m.
For McMenemy, the challenge is about blending the returning experience with the talented newcomers.
"We've built a foundation," he said. "This group believes in themselves, and if we play our game, we can compete with anybody."
