WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's soccer team fell to Fairmont State 5-2 on Sunday at West FamilyAthletic Complex, despite a 10-save effort from their goalkeeper.

The match marked West Liberty Women's Soccer Senior Day, honoring seniors Abigail Barki, Dena Stallings, Ellinor Jansson, Marissa Knouff, Holly Brighton, Beatrice Allen, and Maya Taggart for their contributions to the program.

West Liberty and Fairmont State engaged in a competitive first half, with both teams finding the back of the net.. The match began with Fairmont State. applying pressure early, as Cianna Butera made multiple saves. West Liberty broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Ellinor Jansson, one of the honored seniors, scored, assisted by Emma Lieu, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. Fairmont State responded quickly, equalizing in the 34th minute with a goal by Arrington Sparks, assisted by Braylyn Sparks. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw, with Butera making crucial saves to maintain the tie.

Fairmont St. extended their lead early in the second half, with Stephanie Pedias scoring in the 46th minute. Filippa Stalhammar increased the margin to 3-1 in the 54th minute, assisted by Montserrat Diaz. Dayra Dinarte converted a penalty kick in the 59th minute, and later scored again in the 74th minute with assistance from Payton Parliament, pushing the Falcons' advantage to 5-1. West Liberty responded in the 79th minute with a goal from Maya Taggart, another senior being honored, assisted by Perla Bäckberg and Lieu, concluding the match at 5-2.

The second half began with an early momentum shift as the Falcons took the lead with a goal by Pedias in the 46th minute. West Liberty sought to respond, with Taggart's shot saved shortly after, but the Falcons extended their lead through Stalhammar's goal in the 54th minute.

Butera recorded 10 saves during the match. Taggart scored once and led West Liberty with five shots, three of which were on target. Jansson found the back of the net with her only shot on goal. Lieu tallied two assists.