WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty (0-4-0, 0-2-0) fell to Wheeling University (1-3-0, 1-1-0) in a narrow 1-0 defeat Wednesday evening at the West Family Complex.

The opening half featured strong defensive efforts from both sides. Hilltopper goalkeeper Cianna Butera set the tone early with a stop on Amelia Kassam's shot in the 8th minute. On the other end, Rylyn Bielinski and Frida Lundberg each tested Cardinal keeper Sam Faulkner, but their attempts were denied, keeping the match scoreless at halftime despite several fouls and corner kicks by both teams.

The second half mirrored the first with gritty defensive play and timely saves. Butera came up big again, turning away shots from Rosie Caley and Maira Alevato to preserve the deadlock. West Liberty generated chances of its own, as Abigail Barki and Ellinor Jansson fired on target, but Faulkner stood firm in goal.

The deciding moment came in the 89th minute when Wheeling's Gabriella Bortolussi converted a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box, breaking through for the lone goal of the night and sealing the Cardinals' 1-0 victory.

Butera finished with six saves while facing 16 total shots. Lundberg led the Hilltopper attack with two shots on goal, while Barki and Jansson each added one.

West Liberty will look to bounce back on Sunday when it hosts Point Park at the West Family Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.