WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University women's soccer team returns home Sunday for a Mountain East Conference clash against West Virginia Wesleyan. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the West Family Athletic Complex.
The Hilltoppers (1-7, 0-5 MEC) are coming off a tough road match at Charleston and will look to regroup in front of their home fans. West Liberty's offense is led by freshman Perla Bäckberg, who paces the squad with three goals, while senior Abby Kightlinger and sophomore Kallie McCutcheon have also found the net this fall. Goalkeeper Cianna Butera has been busy in net, ranking among the league leaders with 66 saves.
The Black and Gold showed their scoring potential last week in an 8-0 win over Salem, when eight different players recorded points. They'll try to recapture that spark against a Bobcat team that has traditionally played them close.
West Virginia Wesleyan (3-4-1, 1-4 MEC) enters the weekend on the heels of a 1-0 win over Davis & Elkins. The Bobcats have netted 14 goals through eight games, led by Ava Badallo and Sydne Alexander, who have three apiece.
Recent history between the two programs has been competitive, with West Liberty earning a 2-1 victory at home in 2023 before battling to a 1-1 draw in Buckhannon last season.