TRIADELPHIA, W.Va. - The West Liberty University women's soccer team used a strong second half to secure a 2-1, comeback victory over Charleston inside the Highland Sports Complex.

Charleston got on the board with a penalty kick goal in the 5th minute after a West Liberty handball in the box. Hilltopper goalie Zara Wickert kept the match within one with five saves throughout the remainder of the first half.

After allowing 12 shots to the Golden Eagles in the opening 45 minutes, West Liberty bounced back with pressing defense holding UC to three shots in the second half.

The Hilltoppers took just three second half shots as well and only totaled four in the match but they made the most of their chances.

Isabella Bankovich picked up her second assist in as many games off yet another perfect free kick. Bankovich took the kick from just outside of the box and Claire Kelly was on the receiving end with a header to tie the match in the 59th minute, her second goal of the season.

Marisa Knouff gave Charleston a taste of their own medicine after last season's 87th minute Golden Eagle goal won it, this year Knouff netted the game-winner for the Hilltoppers in the 81st minute. The freshman, Knouff sniped a one-timer in from 30+ yards out perfectly into the top left corner for her first career goal in the Black and Gold.

West Liberty ended the night with six corner kicks and allowed just one.

Whistles were abundant with 34 fouls being called and six cards assessed in total, UC accounted for 23 of the fouls while WLU picked up five yellow cards.

The match was delayed and relocated to a 5:30 pm kickoff at the Highland Sports Complex due to inclement weather.

West Liberty travels to West Virginia State for its next match on Wednesday. Kickoff is slated for 6 pm from Institute, W.Va.

Follow the Hilltoppers all season online at HilltopperSports.com, as well as on Twitter (@WLU_WSoccer, @WLathletics), Instagram (@wlu_wsoccer | @wlu_athletics), and Facebook.

Postgame Interviews with Marisa Knouff and Coach Christmas ↓