WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - The West Liberty University women's soccer team held leads in each half, but ended with a 2-2 draw against Notre Dame to kick off conference play tonight at West Family Athletic Complex.

The Hilltoppers (1-1-1) got ahead in the first half off Isabella Aperfine's first goal of the season in the 33rd minute. Amelia Compston leaked ahead of the Falcon defense and ripped not one, not two, not three, but four shots off the body of the Notre Dame keeper. The ball remained in play and squeaked out to Aperfine, who finally slammed it home to put the 'Toppers on the board.

There would be no other shots the remainder of the first half until the Falcons tied things up with just under two minutes left in the half. Notre Dame got a rebound off a blocked pass and just before a vacated Zara Wickert dove on the ball the Falcon offense kicked it in.

The second half was rather quiet on both sides of the ball with just two shots each being attempted, but each team's first shots of the half were goals.

Compston dished the ball back to a trailing Claire Kelly, who rifled it to the back of net from 30 yards out to give the Hilltoppers the lead in the 66th minute.

Notre Dame answered 14 minutes later with a goal that ricocheted off the far post and in making it all square at 2.

West Liberty had a late chance off a free kick in the final minute. Zayne Brakeall placed a beautiful pass into the middle of the 18-yard box and it was headed by Compston, but missed wide left.

No corner kicks were attempted in the second half after Notre Dame had three and West Liberty two in the opening 45 minutes.

Compston paced the overall offensive attack with a match-high six shots and four on goal, she was also credited with the assist on both Hilltopper goals.

Wickert ended the night with four saves in her third consecutive start to begin her collegiate campaign.

West Liberty will be back on the pitch this weekend with a road trip to Alderson Broaddus on Sunday. Kickoff for the MEC North Division showdown is slated for 2 pm.

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 Interview with Coach Christmas ↓