MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois women's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign Wednesday afternoon with a 3-0 loss to Indiana State at John Mackenzie Alumni Field.

The Sycamores struck twice in the opening 22 minutes to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Alex Lehnert opened the scoring in the 16th minute off an assist from Meagyn Riffle before Quinn Urquhart doubled Indiana State's advantage in the 22nd minute, with Riffle and Hailey Morgan providing the assists.

Indiana State added its third goal in the 65th minute when Riley Mathews found the back of the net, again assisted by Riffle.

The Sycamores controlled the offensive attack throughout the match, finishing with an 18-4 advantage in shots and putting 12 attempts on goal. Western Illinois recorded four shots, with three on target.

Western Illinois goalkeeper Lillian Johns made nine saves on 12 shots on goal as the Leathernecks kept Indiana State from adding to its total after the 65th-minute goal. The Sycamores also held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Despite the result, Western Illinois head coach Henderson said the team has a clear path forward, emphasizing the need to be more disciplined in possession.

SIUE 2, ALABAMA A&M 1
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Carson Bohnenstiehl's goal in the 53rd minute Wednesday proved to be the difference as SIUE women's soccer opened the 2026 season with a 2-1 road victory at Alabama A&M.

SIUE now returns home for its home opener and the start of a three-game homestand at Korte Stadium. The Cougars begin the homestand by facing Valparaiso for a 1 p.m. contest Sunday.

Bohnenstiehl, a junior transfer from St. Jacob, Illinois, connected with her first collegiate goal at 52:25. She captured a pass from Claire Nieroda just minutes into the second half. Bohnenstiehl buried the shot to the lower left of the goal and put the Cougars ahead for good.

In the first-ever meeting between the two programs, SIUE came out strong, outshooting the Bulldogs 5-0 in the first 20 minutes of the game.

Alabama A&M regained its footing and scored the game's first goal at 36:55 on a goal from Jordyn Washington.

The Cougars put pressure back on the Bulldogs and gained a penalty kick at 41:53.

Nieroda stepped up and scored on the PK for SIUE, her third career goal as a Cougar.

Sarah Bozeman played the full 90 minutes in goal for the Cougars and earned the victory. She recorded three saves. Adriana Durango collected six saves in goal for the Bulldogs.

SIUE outshot Alabama A&M 13-10. Nieroda led the team with four shots followed by three each from MaryClaire Imig and Bohnenstiehl as well as two from Olivia Watt.

UT MARTIN 1, CHATTANOOGA 1
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Allie Carroll converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute of the University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team's season opener, as the Skyhawks drew Chattanooga on the road, 1-1, Tuesday night at Max Finley Stadium.

For over 70 minutes, neither team could find any offense until the Mocs finally broke through in the 77th minute off a scorcher of a free kick from Quinn Johnson that found its way through the Skyhawk defense, past goalkeeper Mac Titus and into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

With less than a minute left in the match, the Skyhawks were awarded a free kick in the Chattanooga half of the pitch. Reece Windsor took the kick for UT Martin and sent it into the box, where it dropped at the foot of Carroll, who was immediately fouled and, after a VAR review, the Skyhawks were awarded the penalty kick.

With 56 seconds remaining, Caroll stepped up to the spot and coolly went to her left, while the Chattanooga goalkeeper went right, tying the game at one on the last major play of the game.

Titus ended the match with five saves, while Nasti Tanninen had the only other shot of the night for UT Martin.