WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty dominated Salem (WV) with an 8-0 victory on Sunday at the West Family Complex. The Hilltoppers' offensive onslaught was highlighted by a hat trick, while their defense held Salem to just one shot on goal. The home team netted four goals in each half, securing a shutout in a commanding performance.
West Liberty began the match with early pressure, quickly securing multiple corner kicks and testing Salem (WV)'s goalkeeper, Janiya Brooks-Crews. Abby Kightlinger broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with a goal assisted by Maya Taggart, and just moments later, Holly Brighton added a second, with an assist from Emma Lieu. West Liberty continued to dominate, with Perla Bäckberg scoring in the 24th minute, again assisted by Lieu.
Kallie McCutcheon capped a strong first half with a goal in the 29th minute, assisted by Brighton, pushing the lead to four. The Hilltoppers maintained control throughout, ending the half with a commanding 4-0 advantage, keeping Salem scoreless and asserting their presence on the field.
The second half commenced with the Hilltoppers maintaining a commanding presence on the field. Bäckberg scored twice in quick succession at the 57th minute, with the first goal assisted by Taggart, increasing the lead to 6-0. West Liberty's offensive pressure continued as Katie Robinson found the net in the 80th minute, assisted by Marisa Knouff, pushing the score to 7-0.
Dena Stallings added another goal in the 83rd minute, again assisted by Knouff, further extending the advantage to 8-0. Despite Salem's attempt to claw back with a penalty shot by Niah Hidalgo in the 88th minute, the effort was unsuccessful. West Liberty closed the half decisively, securing an 8-0 victory.
Stallings scored one goal and took four shots, with one on target for the Hilltoppers. McCutcheon added a goal and recorded two shots on goal out of three attempts. Robinson also contributed with a goal, finding the net on her only shot of the game. Bäckberg was the standout performer, achieving a hat trick with three goals from eight shots, four of which were on target.
The next challenge for the Hilltoppers takes them on the road to Charleston, W.Va., to face the Golden Eagles on October 1. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
