Photo Provided The West Liberty women’s soccer team, pictured last season during a regular-season game.

WEST LIBERTY — In just two short years, head coach Pete McMenemy has led the West Liberty University women’s soccer program to back-to-back Mountain East Conference Tournament appearances. Now, entering his third season, he believes the Hilltoppers are ready for more.

“When we came in, we focused on changing the mentality and the way we play,” McMenemy said. “Now I feel we can match up with anyone we face.”

That belief starts in goal, where Cianna Butera returns after a remarkable freshman campaign. Thrust into the starting role from day one, she made 16 starts, led the MEC in saves (115) and saves per game (7.19), and ranked among the league’s leaders in save percentage. McMenemy says the numbers only tell part of the story.

“She makes the big saves — the ones that keep you in games — and she deserved more than what the results showed last year,” he said. Freshman Rayna Hoover, an athletic newcomer, will provide competition and depth.

Behind them, the defense gets a huge boost with the return of three seniors — Ellinor Jansson, Beatrice Allan, and Marisa Knouff — all of whom missed last season due to injury. Add in steady sophomore Rylyn Bielinski, senior Holly Brighton, who had an impressive spring, and promising freshman Corinne Westbrook, and McMenemy suddenly has options.

The midfield will have a different look, anchored by Abigail Barki, who shifts from outside back to a central role after showing vision and composure during the spring. Transfers Dena Stallings and Isabella Guerra bring experience and quality, with Guerra arriving as a two-time First-Team All-Conference player from Illinois Central Junior College. Freshmen Rylee Stottlemyer, fresh off a WVSSAC state title with Washington High School, and Kallie McCutcheon, an All-State selection from Parkersburg South, add depth and energy.

Up front, senior Maya Taggart will lead the attack. McMenemy calls her “a selfless player” whose influence stretches beyond the stat sheet. She’ll be joined by an exciting group of newcomers, including Swedish standouts Frida Lundberg, a technical finisher with a nose for goal, and Perla Backberg, a versatile and intelligent attacker. Leah Paugh, a physical presence from East Fairmont who helped her team reach the state championship game, rounds out the forward group.

The Hilltoppers will open their season Sept. 4 at IUP before returning home Sept. 7 to host Seton Hill at the West Family Athletic Complex. For McMenemy, the pieces are in place — now it’s about putting them together.

“We’ve built a foundation,” he said. “This group believes in themselves, and if we play our game, we can compete with anybody.”