WHEELING, W.Va. – Kylie Collins scored twice in a 90-second span and Kaisa Vale turned aside six shots, including a penalty kick, as the West Liberty University women's soccer team blanked Wheeling 2-0 on Sunday at Bishop Schmitt Field.
Collins provided all the offense the Hilltoppers needed, scoring both goals during the first half as West Liberty earned their first win of the season with a strong defensive performance against its crosstown rival.
West Liberty finished with a 16-14 advantage in shots and put nine attempts on frame. The Hilltoppers also generated 13 of their 16 shots after halftime as they continued to pressure the Wheeling defense while protecting their two-goal advantage.
Collins opened the scoring in the 17th minute when she finished a pass from Corinne Westbrook at the 16:09 mark. Just 90 seconds later, Collins struck again, this time with Ana Conejo Perez providing the assist at 17:39 to give the Hilltoppers a 2-0 lead.
Vale helped preserve the advantage throughout the opening half, making three saves before stopping a Wheeling penalty kick at 43:44. West Liberty carried the 2-0 lead into halftime.
Wheeling applied pressure early in the second half, generating four shots and five corner kicks during an extended stretch, but the Hilltoppers' defense continued to keep the Cardinals off the scoreboard. Vale made another key save at 53:03, denying Maira Alevato to maintain the shutout.
West Liberty then answered with an extended offensive push of its own, producing six shots and two corner kicks between 62:56 and 71:43. The Hilltoppers continued to create opportunities throughout the remainder of the match, but neither team found the net again.
Vale finished with six saves while playing all 90 minutes to record the shutout. West Liberty's defense limited Wheeling to six shots on goal despite the Cardinals finishing with 14 total shots.
Collins finished with four points on four shots, including the game-winning goal and her second goal of the afternoon. Conejo Perez recorded an assist and put both of her shots on goal, while Westbrook added an assist.
The Hilltoppers return to action Wednesday when they travel to Frostburg, Md., to face Frostburg State at Bobcat Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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.
