CANTON, Ohio — Kaisa Vale and the West Liberty defense stood tall when it mattered most Wednesday night, turning away a late Malone push to preserve a 0-0 draw at Pioneer Park.
Vale finished with five saves, including three during a four-minute stretch late in the second half, as the Hilltoppers kept Malone off the scoreboard despite a 13-6 advantage in shots. West Liberty moves to 0-1-1 on the season.
The Hilltoppers absorbed early pressure from the Pioneers, with Vale making saves in the third and 20th minutes to keep the match scoreless. West Liberty generated its first opportunities in the fifth minute when
Frida Lundberg sent a shot high.
Kylie Collins followed with back-to-back chances in the 12th minute, with one attempt saved by Malone goalkeeper Amelia Henderhan and the other stopped by the Pioneer defense.
The match became increasingly physical midway through the opening half, with West Liberty being whistled for four fouls between the 15th and 21st minutes.
Rylee Stottlemyer was also issued a yellow card during the stretch.
Malone continued to pressure the Hilltoppers but could not capitalize, while West Liberty created opportunities of its own.
Allie Callahan put a shot on frame in the 27th minute before the Hilltoppers earned corner kicks in the 34th and 43rd minutes.
The teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
West Liberty continued to look for the breakthrough after the intermission. Lundberg had a shot saved in the 72nd minute, while Ariana Bosh put an attempt on frame in the 79th minute that was also turned away by Henderhan.
Malone generated its most dangerous stretch of the match late in the second half, but Vale and the Hilltopper defense refused to break. Vale stopped a shot from Morgan Kandel at 79:38 before denying Alyssa Schofield at 80:28 and Claire Charnock at 82:40. Malone also earned two corner kicks during the late pressure, but West Liberty came through the stretch without conceding a goal.
Neither side could find the decisive goal in the final minutes, sending the match to a 0-0 final.
West Liberty will return to action Sunday at Fairmont State, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. at Duvall-Rosier Field. The Hilltoppers will then make their 2026 home debut Wednesday, Sept. 9, against Point Park at 5 p.m. at the 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.
