ROLLA, Mo. – Missouri S&T Women's Soccer opens its season with two home openers against some tough opponents. Thursday, August 27, they welcome the University of Central Missouri to the pitch at 6 p.m. Then Sunday, August 30, Missouri Southern University will step to the pitch at 2:30 p.m.

"We are looking forward to two touch games against MIAA teams. It is the first athletic event on campus this semester, so we are hoping for a big crowd," says head coach Matthew Perry.

The Miners will welcome back returners such as Adriana Benassi (Lee's Summit, MO/Lee's Summit), who earned First Team All-GLVC and D2CIDA First Team All-Midwest Region honors in the 2025 season. She ranked second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference after starting all 19 matches, adding 14 goals, seven of them being game-winning goals, and 32 points.

Transfer Jordan Williams (Lexington, KY/Frederick Douglass) comes from Alabama State, appearing in 18 games, starting in 13 for the Hornets in the 2025 slate. Catie Riddle (Westland, MI/Churchill) is a newcomer goalkeeper for the Miners, bringing her experience from Eastern Michigan University.

"I am looking forward to seeing everyone back out there, but more so seeing our new players, transfers Riddle and Jojo Williams, as well as our freshman class. It's been great seeing everyone settle in quickly, ready for a great season!" reports Perry.
 
About Central Missouri – Aug 27 (Thurs) 6pm
In the 2025 season, the Jennies went 11-6-4 overall and 7-2-3 in conference play.

The Miners will be looking out for senior Mikayla Ernst. Last season, she started in 21 games and contributed 12 goals, 30 points, and had 84 shots, 37 of them on goal.  

"UMC is and has been one of the top teams in the country. We are looking forward to challenging ourselves in our home opener," Perry states.  

Thursday's match will be UMC's first match to start its season.
 
 
About Missouri Southern – Aug. 30 (Sun) 2:30pm
The Lions went 2-13-3 overall last season and 0-10-2.

Senior Talia Sanders will return, as she was the top goal scorer from last season with four goals and 11 points.

"Missouri Southern have a brand-new coach so we know they are going to be just as tough. I'm looking forward to seeing us apply the things we have been working on in preseason to a game that counts!"

MSU will open their season on Friday, August 28, at Lincoln University of Missouri.
 
What's Next
The Miners will welcome UMC on Thursday, August 27, kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
 
Sign up for our email blast at minerathletics.com/subscribe.aspx
Follow Miners women's soccer on X and Instagram at @Miners_WSOC