All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVWC’s Queen and Fowler earn All-Honorable Mention MEC women’s soccer honors

BRIDGEPORT – The Mountain East Conference announced Friday morning its women’s soccer all-conference teams and major award winners following a vote of the league’s head coaches.

Concord’s Sydney Tucker was named the MEC Offensive Player of the Year. The 5-foot-7 senior forward from Raleigh, North Carolina, emerged in 2023 and followed up that strong campaign with a season worthy of top honors this year. Tucker has scored 16 goals in 18 games this season, which leads the MEC and is tied for fourth nationally.

Frostburg State’s Cat Smith was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. The 2023 D2CCA All-Region selection earned three Player of the Week honors this season — one each in September, October, and November. The Bobcats’ back line has surrendered only 10 goals this season, which is the best in the MEC and ranks in the Top 25 nationally.

Sara Parìs Filter of West Virginia State is the Freshman of the Year. She is one of six MEC players who have scored double-digit goals this season (10 in 18 appearances), which is tied for fourth in the conference. League coaches also voted her on the MEC all-conference second team and all-freshman team.

Sarah Leiby is the MEC Coach of the Year after leading the University of Charleston to the South Division title. UC is 14-4 overall and 13-2 in league play this season. Leiby was named the Golden Eagles’ head coach in March.

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Maggie Queen and Abby Fowler earned Honorable Mention honors.

The 2024 MEC All-Conference Teams are listed below.

2024 All-MEC First Team
Pos.NameCl.School
GKKatie Sterne            Sr.Frostburg State
FJuliette LucasSo.Charleston
FSydney TuckerSr.Concord
FSandra LinaresSr.West Virginia State
FSerenity ThomasSo.Fairmont State
MLina JaimeSr.Charleston
MMarika SvenssonFr.Concord
MCarly GilletteJr.Frostburg State
MMary DiFonzoSr.Wheeling
DIda MarhaugFr.Charleston
DLeah FlemingSr.Concord
DCat SmithSr.Frostburg State
DMaxima BellscheidtSr.West Virginia State
2024 All-MEC Second Team
Pos.NameCl.School
GKLaura Galindo    Sr.West Virginia State
FCaitlin WebsterJr.Concord
FSara Parìs FilterFr.West Virginia State
FLily HannaFr.Wheeling
MMichelle WengerSo.Charleston
MTiana CampbellFr.Concord
MAshley RainhoSr.Fairmont State
MKarissa VelaSr.West Virginia State
MAika TobaruJr.West Virginia State
DHannah GoesSo.Charleston
DFilippa StahlhammarSr.Fairmont State
DMei HommanSr.Frostburg State
DAlba ClosaSr.West Virginia State
2024 All-MEC Honorable Mention
GK: Jordan Maynard (UC)

F: Madi Allen (FROST), Vanessa Vazquez (PPU), Leila Karam (WVSU), Maggie Queen (WVWC)

M: Braylyn Sparks (FAIR), Marcelle Stoller (GSU)

D: Ella Rowell (CU), Mackenzie Hendrick (GSU), Abby Fowler (WVWC)
2024 All-MEC Freshman Team
Pos.NameSchool
DIda MarhaugCharleston
MMarika SvenssonConcord
FSam YuenFairmont State
FSara Paris FilterWest Virginia State
FLily HannaWheeling
Offensive Player of the Year: Sydney Tucker (Concord)
Defensive Player of the Year: Cat Smith (Frostburg State)
Freshman of the Year: Sara Parìs Filter (West Virginia State)
Coach of the Year: Sarah Leiby (Charleston)

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man charged with stealing package from ex-wife’s building, stalking

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly stealing a package and contacting a woman against her will. Thomas Summers, 36, faces charges including entering without breaking, stalking, petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.

Those pretty red leaves? They’re lying to you: The surprising truth about poinsettias

aoinsettias’ bright red “petals” aren’t flowers at all — they’re modified leaves called bracts, with the true flowers in the tiny yellow center. Learn about the plant’s Aztec roots, how it became a holiday staple, and simple tips to keep it thriving.

Buckhannon man charged with felony domestic battery after altercation over car keys

A Buckhannon man was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, third offense, after allegedly striking a woman when he was “extremely intoxicated” and they refused to give him his car keys.

West Virginia State Parks announces First Day Hikes for New Year’s Day

Twenty-one state parks and forests — including Audra and Canaan — will host free guided hikes on January 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 outdoors.

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.