CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Liberty battled through several stretches of sustained Charleston pressure Wednesday afternoon, but the Golden Eagles scored three times to hand the Hilltoppers a 3-0 setback in Mountain East Conference women's soccer action at Welch Athletic Complex.

West Liberty finished with 13 shots, including eight after halftime, but managed just three shots on goal. Charleston held a 24-13 advantage in total shots and put 10 attempts on frame.

Goalkeeper Kaisa Vale kept the Hilltoppers within striking distance throughout the match, recording seven saves over 90 minutes.

West Liberty weathered an early Charleston attack while the match remained scoreless. Vale turned aside several Golden Eagles chances during a stretch that included five shots and two corner kicks before Charleston finally broke through in the 24th minute.

Ciara Casamento scored at 23:09 to give Charleston a 1-0 lead, and Abigail Harrison added another goal just 44 seconds later to make it 2-0.

The Hilltoppers responded with several opportunities of their own before halftime. Frida Lundberg, Aaliyah Siegel and Allie Callahan each recorded shots, while West Liberty earned two corner kicks during the final two minutes of the half.

Charleston maintained the two-goal advantage into halftime.

West Liberty continued to create opportunities after the break, putting together a three-shot stretch before Charleston added to its lead. Sydney Crowe scored at 59:48 to make it 3-0.

The Hilltoppers continued to battle defensively through another extended period of Charleston pressure, with Vale making two additional saves. West Liberty also generated late chances as Siegel and Ariana Bosh forced saves with shots on goal.

Lundberg led the Hilltoppers with three shots, while Siegel and Callahan each added two. Siegel put one of her attempts on frame, as did Callahan.

The setback drops West Liberty to 1-6-1 overall and 1-5 in MEC play.

The Hilltoppers return home Sunday when they host Shawnee State (Ohio) at the West Family Athletic Complex. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

That match begins a stretch of three consecutive home games for West Liberty, with the Hilltoppers also scheduled to host Glenville State on Sept. 30 and Concord on Oct. 7.



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.