ELKINS, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's soccer team battled Davis & Elkins to a 0-0 draw Sunday at Nuttall Field, with goalkeeper
Shai'ya Fitzgerald recording 10 saves to help the Hilltoppers earn a point in Mountain East Conference play.
West Liberty (6-5-3, 4-5-2 MEC) held Davis & Elkins (10-1-2, 8-1-2 MEC) scoreless despite facing a 20-4 disadvantage in shots. The Senators entered the match ranked No. 11 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II national rankings and No. 2 in the Atlantic Region, while the Hilltoppers held the No. 10 spot in the regional rankings.
Fitzgerald kept the match level through a sustained first-half attack from the Senators, making four saves as Davis & Elkins tested the Hilltoppers' defense. West Liberty faced two early corner kicks and weathered another flurry of chances late in the first half, including three Davis & Elkins shots in a 16-second span. Fitzgerald and the defensive unit kept the Senators off the scoreboard, sending the teams into halftime tied 0-0.
The pressure continued after the break, but Fitzgerald came up with six more saves in the second half to preserve the shutout. She stopped attempts in the opening minutes of the half before West Liberty began generating opportunities of its own.
Zachary Jordan put the Hilltoppers' first shot on goal in the 64th minute, earning a corner kick, as West Liberty looked to turn its defensive effort into an offensive breakthrough.
West Liberty's strongest late push came during a stretch from the 75th through the 81st minutes, when the Hilltoppers earned four corner kicks and created several scoring chances. Aaliyah Siegel forced a save before striking the top of the crossbar.
Brian Russell and
Noah Ward also put shots on goal, but Davis & Elkins goalkeeper Charlie Phillips turned them away. Fitzgerald answered with additional stops at the other end, including a save in the 83rd minute, to keep the match scoreless.
West Liberty finished with four shots, all on target, while Davis & Elkins recorded 20 attempts. Fitzgerald played all 90 minutes and totaled 10 saves. Siegel led the Hilltoppers with three shots, including two on goal, while Jordan, Russell, Ward and
Kevin Teather also helped generate second-half opportunities.
The Hilltoppers return to the road Wednesday for another conference matchup against Point Park in Pittsburgh. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Highmark Stadium.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at
westliberty.edu.
