WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The Bobcats edged West Liberty 2-1 on Sunday at the West Family Athletic Complex. The Bobcats' decisive goal came in the second half, breaking a 1-1 tie. West Liberty's lone goal occurred in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the visitors' advantage. West Liberty registered three shots on goal, while their opponents managed five, highlighting a competitive match.

The match between West Liberty and West Virginia Wesleyan College began with both teams testing the waters. West Liberty's Cianna Butera was active early, saving a shot from Ava Badallo in the 9th minute. A defensive battle ensued, with multiple fouls committed by both teams, including a yellow card issued to West Liberty. The Bobcats broke the stalemate in the 31st minute when Isabella Pinczel scored with an assist from Tessa Grisez, giving them a 1-0 lead. Despite efforts from West Liberty, including a saved shot by Maya Taggart, the half ended with the Bobcats ahead.

West Va. Wesleyan extended their lead early in the second half with a goal from Paloma Zamora in the 47th minute, making it 2-0. West Liberty responded when Perla Bäckberg scored in the 54th minute, assisted by Holly Brighton, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Butera played a crucial role in defense, saving a shot from Mia Rodriguez in the 69th minute. Despite a late attempt from Abby Kightlinger, whose shot in the 85th minute was saved by Maite Coutinho, West Liberty was unable to find an equalizer, and the match concluded with a 2-1 victory for the Bobcats.

The first half commenced with West Liberty's Cianna Butera in goal, as the Hilltoppers sought to establish early momentum. Maya Taggart had a notable attempt at goal in the 22nd minute, but her shot was saved by the Bobcats' goalkeeper, Maite Coutinho.

Despite solid defensive work by Butera, who recorded saves including one against Mia Rodriguez late in the half, West Liberty conceded a goal in the 32nd minute to Isabella Pinczel, assisted by Tessa Grisez. The half concluded with West Liberty trailing 1-0.

The second half began with the Bobcats extending their lead as Paloma Zamora scored in the 47th minute. West Liberty responded in the 54th minute when Perla Bäckberg found the back of the net, assisted by Holly Brighton, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Despite efforts to equalize, including a shot from Abby Kightlinger that was saved, West Liberty could not alter the scoreline further. The half closed with West Liberty trailing 2-1.

Perla Bäckberg scored the lone goal for West Liberty, converting one of her two shots. Holly Brighton contributed to the team's offense with an assist, facilitating Bäckberg's goal. In goal, Cianna Butera made three saves, facing ten shots and allowing two goals.

Paloma Zamora stood out for the Bobcats, netting the game's decisive goal and securing her status as the game-winner. Isabella Pinczel also contributed with a goal, marking her only shot on target as successful. Tessa Grisez aided the offensive effort with an assist, adding to the team's scoring opportunities. In goal, Maite Coutinho played the full 90 minutes, recording two saves and allowing just one goal, solidifying her team's defensive line.

Looking ahead, West Liberty will host Glenville State in a conference matchup Wednesday at 7 p.m.