AMHERST, N.Y. — West Liberty University (1-0-0, 0-0-0) opened the 2026 season with a 3-2 victory against Daemen University (0-1-0, 0-0-0) Thursday at Royal Park.
The Hilltoppers put 14 of their 26 shots on goal, while Daemen recorded 18 shots, including six saves by West Liberty goalkeeper
Shai'ya Fitzgerald. West Liberty struck first in the eighth minute when
Leyton Collier found the back of the net to give the Hilltoppers an early 1-0 lead. West Liberty continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the opening half, generating scoring opportunities from
Brody Wall,
Brian Russell and
Ethan Nethery, but Daemen goalkeeper Colin Hockridge turned each attempt aside.
Fitzgerald kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard with several key saves in the opening half, including stops on attempts by Fabrizzio Jaramillo and Tim Florek. West Liberty carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime.
The Hilltoppers wasted little time adding to their lead after the break.
Wilson Hanna scored in the 46th minute off an assist from
Tresz McLeod to make it 2-0.
Daemen answered in the 60th minute when Afonso Abreu converted a penalty kick to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Wildcats then pulled even in the 68th minute when Sincere Noble scored off assists from Christian Baker and Abreu.
The tie lasted less than a minute.
Brian Russell put West Liberty back in front in the 69th minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from
Kevin Teather. Russell's goal proved to be the game-winner as the Hilltoppers held off the Wildcats over the final 21 minutes to secure the season-opening victory.
Fitzgerald finished with six saves in his season debut, while Collier led the Hilltoppers with six shots, including three on goal. Russell finished with five shots, putting four on frame, while Teather added an assist and put both of his shots on goal.
The victory gives West Liberty a 1-0 start to the season.
NEXT UP: The Hilltoppers remain on the road Sunday, Aug. 30, traveling to Chestnut Hill for a 1 p.m. matchup at Victory Field in Lafayette Hill, Pa.
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.
