Lady Toppers wrap up preseason with 1-0 defeat of Bellarmine

Charlotte+49ers+vs+WKU+Hilltoppers+on+April+9%2C+2021+at+WKU+Softball+Complex+in+Bowling+Green%2C+KY

Credit: Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics

Charlotte 49ers vs WKU Hilltoppers on April 9, 2021 at WKU Softball Complex in Bowling Green, KY

Drew Toennies, Soccer reporter

The Lady Toppers shut out the Bellarmine Knights 1-0 at home on Sunday afternoon to conclude the preseason undefeated with two shutout wins.

WKU sophomore Annah Hopkins carried the Lady Toppers to victory as she found the back of the net in the 67th minute of the match, notching the game-winning goal.

The Lady Toppers had a total of 11 shots with six shots on goal whereas the Knights had only one shot attempt over the entirety of the match.

The first half of the match was a defensive battle as WKU and Bellarmine held each other scoreless for the first 45 minutes of play.

WKU freshman Kayla Meyer took the only two shots of the first half as she fired a shot in the 22nd minute that would go out left and another shot attempt in the 36th minute that would fly out the top.

Three minutes into the second half, an offensive push by WKU resulted in five shots with four shots being on target. For over three minutes, WKU junior Katie Erwin, senior Isidora Pekez, freshman Brooke Sleeva and Hopkins would assault the net with shots. However, Bellarmine redshirt senior Elyssa Francis stopped the barrage, notching four saves.

WKU’s offense would prevail in the 67th minute of the match as Hopkins found the back of the net, notching the only goal of the match.

The Lady Toppers held off the Bellarmine offense for the remainder of the match to shut out the Knights 1-0.

WKU’s soccer season will officially commence this upcoming Thursday at 7 p.m. as the Lady Toppers kick off their season against the Austin Peay Governors at home on Aug. 19.

Sports reporter Drew Toennies can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @drew_toennies.