WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's soccer team opens Mountain East Conference play Sunday afternoon when the Hilltoppers travel to Fairmont State for a 1 p.m. matchup at Duvall-Rosier Field.

West Liberty enters the conference opener at 0-1-1 following a 1-0 season-opening loss at D'Youville and a scoreless draw at Malone on Wednesday. The Hilltoppers have allowed just one goal through their first two matches, with goalkeeper Kaisa Vale making 10 saves and posting a .909 save percentage.

The Hilltoppers have also been efficient when they have created opportunities. West Liberty has put eight of nine shots on goal through two matches, an .889 shots-on-goal percentage. Kylie Collins and Frida Lundberg lead the Hilltoppers with three shots apiece, while Ariana Bosh has recorded two shots on frame.

West Liberty's defensive effort was particularly important in Wednesday's scoreless draw at Malone. Vale made five saves in the match, including three during a late Malone surge, as the Hilltoppers secured their first result of the season.

Fairmont State brings a perfect 2-0 record into Sunday's MEC opener. The Falcons opened the season with a 3-1 home victory against Slippery Rock before earning a 2-1 road win at Findlay on Aug. 30.

The Falcons have scored five goals through two matches while allowing two. Fairmont State is averaging 2.5 goals per game and has put six of its 14 shots on goal.

Sam Yuen leads the Falcons with three points on one goal and one assist, while Payton Parliament, Stephanie Pedias, Regan Shockey and Serenity Thomas have each scored once. Yuen and Lyndy Van Horn have also recorded assists.

Goalkeeper Olivia Johnston has started both matches for Fairmont State and enters Sunday's contest with a 2-0 record, a 1.00 goals-against average and eight saves.

Sunday's match marks the beginning of the MEC portion of the schedule for both teams and provides West Liberty with an opportunity to carry the defensive momentum from its first two matches into conference play. After allowing a goal in the sixth minute of the season opener at D'Youville, the Hilltoppers have kept their last 180 minutes of action scoreless, including Wednesday's shutout at Malone. Vale and the West Liberty defense will face a Fairmont State attack that has already found the net five times in its first two outings.

The Hilltoppers and Falcons are scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff Sunday at Duvall-Rosier Field in Fairmont.

West Liberty will return home Wednesday, Sept. 9, for its next MEC contest 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.