WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Davis & Elkins on Wednesday evening at the West Family Athletic Complex, powered by a second-half goal from Perla Bäckberg and a shutout performance from goalkeeper Cianna Butera.

After a scoreless opening half, Bäckberg broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, finishing a setup from Marisa Knouff to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead. From there, West Liberty's defense did the rest.

Butera turned away four shots to secure the clean sheet, including key saves late in the match against attempts from Addyson Cogar and Kristia Kouppi. The Hilltoppers' back line held strong through sustained pressure from the Senators, who finished with eight total shots.

West Liberty generated several offensive chances of its own, with Maya Taggart and Isabella Guerra each putting shots on target in the first half, forcing stops from D&E goalkeeper Gabriela Acevedo.

The Hilltoppers return to action on Saturday, when they travel to Athens, W.Va., to face Concord University at 1 p.m.