Belmont Women’s Soccer Finishes Season Strong with 2-0 Win Over Illinois State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a fitting conclusion to a challenging season, the Belmont University women’s soccer team secured a 2-0 victory against the Illinois State Redbirds Thursday afternoon at E.S. Rose Park. The Bruins demonstrated resilience and skill, overcoming adversity to close out their 2025 campaign on a high note.

The Bruins’ performance was highlighted early by Junior Anna Samuel, who scored her first collegiate goal just six minutes into the match. Capitalizing on a corner kick, Samuel’s quick finish put Belmont ahead 1-0, energizing the home crowd and setting the tone for the game. Throughout much of the first half, Belmont controlled the play, outshooting Illinois State 6-3. However, the Redbirds began to find their rhythm toward the end of the half.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Illinois State mounted pressure, earning three consecutive corner kicks in the final ten minutes. Yet Belmont’s defense, anchored by Lillie Tabor, Sami Bird, and Eliza Paisley, stood firm, limiting Illinois State’s scoring chances. Senior Kennedy Wise, playing in her final collegiate match, showcased her defensive prowess and leadership, helping maintain the team’s composure during these tense moments.

The second half began with a promising opportunity for Illinois State, as Freshman Rylann Law found Senior Abby Hall in the box. Unfortunately for the Redbirds, Hall was unable to convert, and Belmont quickly regained control. In the 63rd minute, the Bruins doubled their lead. Junior Laken Whittington delivered a brilliant setup, threading a precise pass into the box for Kaitlyn Elliott, who deftly maneuvered past two defenders and slotted the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs, extending Belmont’s advantage to

2-0.

Belmont’s goalkeepers, Sydney Jones and Greta Genie, split time in net, combining for the team’s sixth shutout of the season. Genie made several crucial saves in the second half, further solidifying the Bruins’ defensive strength. The match showcased not only Belmont’s attacking capabilities but also their strong defensive foundation—a trend evident in their late-season performances.

With this victory, Belmont finished the season with an overall record of 4-6-7 and a Missouri Valley Conference mark of 2-4-3. The Bruins recorded three clean sheets in their final five matches, underscoring their growth and development over the course of the season.

Senior Kennedy Wise, an instrumental figure in the team’s success, concluded her collegiate career on a high note. A 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree, Wise was recognized for her academic excellence with multiple MVC awards. Throughout her career, she consistently improved, setting personal bests this season in matches played, goals, and minutes. Her leadership and dedication on and off the field will be deeply missed as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.

As the Bruins conclude their season with this victory, they will aim to build on their late-season improvements in the coming year. The win against a competitive Illinois State team highlights areas of progress for Belmont, while also underscoring challenges that remain. With a mix of returning players and new talent, the Bruins face the task of translating this momentum into consistent results as they prepare for their next season.