Bruins Heading North for Match Up Against Valparaiso

Belmont (3-4-7) (1-2-3 MVC) at Valparaiso (3-7-4) (0-3-3 MVC)
Thursday, Oct. 23 | 7:00 p.m.
Brown Field | Valparaiso, Ind.
 

VALPARAISO, Ind. – Belmont women's soccer hits the road for a key Missouri Valley Conference match up on Thursday, traveling to face Valparaiso as the regular season nears its conclusion. The Bruins (3-4-7, 1-2-3 MVC) enter the contest unbeaten in their last two matches and looking to continue their steady form against the Beacons.

Belmont's balanced offense has been a highlight this season, producing 16 goals from 10 different players. Junior forward Laken Whittington leads the way with three goals and one assist, while Olivia Walker and Kennedy Wise each have two goals apiece. The Bruins' attack has been particularly efficient, converting 14.8% of their shots and placing over 52% on target.

Defensively, Belmont has held firm thanks to consistent performances from Lillie Tabor, who leads the team in minutes played (1,260), and Teagan Downs, who provides versatility and service from the flanks. Graduate goalkeeper Sydney Jones continues to set the tone in goal, boasting 56 saves, a .800 save percentage, and five shutouts through 12 starts.

Megan Miller continues to be a vital presence in the midfield and back line, leading the team with three assists and over 1,000 minutes logged. Kaitlyn Elliott has chipped in with two goals, both game-winners, while Ava Labocki, Eliza Paisley, and Sami Bird have each contributed goals in crucial moments throughout the season.

As a team, Belmont has matched opponents evenly in scoring (16-16) while maintaining one of the conference's most balanced statistical profiles—averaging 1.14 goals per game and allowing the same on the defensive end.

What's Bruin

• Belmont and opponents have each scored 16 goals this season, setting up a tightly contested conference battle.
• Lillie Tabor and Megan Miller have anchored a back line that's limited opponents to just 11.4 shots per game.
• Nine of Belmont's 16 goals have come in the second half of matches.

About the Beacons

• Most recent result in MVC play was a 1-1 Draw, against Southern Illinois who the Bruins played earlier this season.
• Overall record in 2025 so far: 3-7-3, conference mark 0-3-2.
• Leading Scorer: Kiara Desiderio: 6 goals, playing 13 games (12 starts) and 946 minutes.
• Goalkeeper Kate Sheridan has made 49 saves, with a save percentage of 0.700 and a goals-against average of 1.82 in 13 starts.

Up Next

• Belmont continues their road trip with the University of Illinois-Chicago on Sunday, October 26 at 1:00 p.m in Chicago, Illinois. 

Follow Belmont women's soccer on social media - @BelmontWSoccer on Twitter, @belmontwsoccer on Instagram and @belmontWsoccer on Facebook - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.