BUFFALO, N.Y. — West Liberty University (0-1-0) dropped a tightly contested 1-0 decision to D'Youville University (1-0-0) Thursday at Dobson Field. West Liberty goalkeeper
Kaisa Vale recorded five saves, keeping the Hilltoppers within striking distance throughout the 90-minute contest.
D'Youville took an early lead when Kayla Frasca scored in the sixth minute off an assist from Sophia Menezes. West Liberty responded with offensive pressure, including shots from
Frida Lundberg and Ariana Bosh, but D'Youville goalkeeper Amanda Kit turned both attempts aside.
Vale made key saves in the second and 18th minutes to keep the deficit at one. Despite several corner kicks and additional opportunities, the Hilltoppers were unable to find the equalizer before halftime.
West Liberty continued to press forward early in the second half, with Kit denying another attempt from Bosh. The Hilltoppers' defense remained strong as Vale made crucial saves to keep the match within reach. D'Youville continued to pressure the Hilltopper defense, but Vale stopped attempts by Gabrielle Giesing in the 58th minute and Makaylah Higgins in the 75th minute. West Liberty created several opportunities of its own, including chances from
Kylie Collins and multiple corner kicks, but could not find the back of the net.
The Hilltoppers continued to challenge the D'Youville defense in the closing minutes but were caught offside twice as the Spartans held on for the 1-0 victory.
Vale finished with five saves on 12 D'Youville shots, allowing just one goal. Bosh registered one shot on goal, while Lundberg added one shot and one shot on goal. Collins also recorded one shot on target. Frasca provided the game's only goal on her lone shot of the match, while Kit recorded three saves to earn the shutout for D'Youville. Giesing led the Spartans with five shots, including two on goal, while Menezes added an assist.
NEXT UP: West Liberty remains on the road Wednesday, Sept. 2, traveling to Malone University for a 6 p.m. matchup at Pioneer Park in Canton, Ohio.
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.
