WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's soccer team battled nationally ranked Fairmont State on Sunday but surrendered a late goal in a 2-1 Mountain East Conference loss at West Family Athletic Complex on Senior Day.
The Hilltoppers (2-13-2, 2-12-1 MEC) took an early lead before the unbeaten Falcons (14-0-3, 12-0-3 MEC) rallied to earn the victory. West Liberty honored seniors
Isabella Guerra and Maria Azevedo before the match.
West Liberty struck first in the sixth minute when
Aaliyah Siegel found the back of the net at 5:10, giving the Hilltoppers a 1-0 advantage. Fairmont State responded in the 16th minute, with Valentina Gianinetto scoring the equalizer at 15:19 to send the teams into halftime tied 1-1.
The teams remained even through much of the second half as West Liberty looked to hold off the Falcons' attack. Fairmont State eventually broke through in the 81st minute when Stephanie Pedias scored off an assist from Sam Yuen at 80:11 to put the visitors ahead 2-1.
The Hilltoppers looked for a late equalizer, but Fairmont State held on to preserve its unbeaten record.
Fairmont State finished with a 15-7 advantage in shots, while West Liberty earned seven corner kicks to the Falcons' four. Goalkeeper
Kaisa Vale recorded three saves for the Hilltoppers, while Fairmont State's Olivia Johnston finished with six.
Siegel scored West Liberty's lone goal, her second point-producing performance of the season. The Hilltoppers were seeking to close out their home schedule with a strong performance against one of the conference's top teams but came up just short.
West Liberty will close the regular season Wednesday, Oct. 28, when the Hilltoppers host Wheeling at 7:30 p.m. at West Family Athletic Complex.
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.
