WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Our college sports season previews continue with a look at the women’s soccer team at Midwestern State.

It’s year seven under head coach Ryan Spence, and he’s really turned the program around in the last few seasons.

MSU qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2021, played in the conference tournament championship in 2022, and earned 10 wins last season, the second-highest total in Ryan Spence’s tenure as head coach.

“I think the biggest thing we’ve got this year is some versatility on the field, some depth in areas maybe we had had the past,” Spence said. “But you are going to see some energy, a lot of good personalities, a lot of good character kids. We’ve gotten some fresh life in new areas with some of the new ones, and then some of the older ones just just keep elevating.”

Eight starters return for the Mustangs, including the top five point-getters from a year ago.

It’s a group led by senior Lexi Beck. The two-time all-regional honoree has seen her point totals improve each year. She has up to 14 career goals and 17 career assists.

With another impactful season, the Fort Worth native is likely to move inside the top 10 in MSU history in multiple offensive stat categories. In fact — she is six assists away from setting a new program record.

“She needs to take another step,” Spence said. “She knows that; we talk about it. You can’t be the same person the next year and do the same stuff and expect a different result. And she knows I think she’s done well. She’s going to play some different roles for us this year. And I think she will make a push to be a little bit better than she was last year as well.”

Midwestern’s biggest losses from graduation were on defense.

Mya Warrior and Janae Sanchez both played big minutes, but the program’s 24 Strong teammate of the year, Allesandra Romano, returns. She started all 20 games last year, leading the team in minutes played and tying for second in goals.

Alongside Romano, Spence focused on adding speed and depth on the back line with newcomers, providing an opportunity for former Rider Lady Raider Bella Pillow to earn playing time as a freshman.

MSU also added talent via the JUCO route: Nyxalee Munoz comes from Tyler Junior College, where she started 42 games over two seasons and scored 24 points.

Between the pipes, Allison Dellis took over as the starter midway through last season. The freshman earned four wins with a .74 goals-against average. She was named to the Lone Star Conference all-tournament team.

Some other names to watch: freshman Madison Brinkley graduated high school early and joined the program last spring. Local product Jimena Rodriguez is fresh off a record-setting season at Rider, becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer.

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