FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Liberty suffered a 3-0 setback to Fairmont State on Sunday in Mountain East Conference play at Duvall-Rosier Field.
The Hilltoppers were limited to six shots, including three on goal, while Fairmont State finished with 21 shots and eight on goal.
Kaisa Vale recorded five saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
Fairmont State took a 1-0 lead at the 13:59 mark when Arrington Sparks found the back of the net off assists from Serenity Thomas and Dayra Dinarte.
The Hilltoppers weathered an early Fairmont State push that included shots at 3:25, 7:34 and 9:30 along with two corner kicks. West Liberty generated its first corner at 14:27 and added another at 25:48, while
Aaliyah Siegel sent the Hilltoppers' lone shot of the opening half wide right in the 31st minute.
Vale kept West Liberty within one late in the half, making saves on shots from Stephanie Pedias and Dahlia Welter as the Hilltoppers went into halftime trailing 1-0.
West Liberty came out of the break with increased pressure.
Rylee Stottlemyer recorded two shots in the opening two minutes of the second half, with one saved by Fairmont State goalkeeper Olivia Johnston and another striking the right woodwork.
Kylie Collins added a shot over the top in the 52nd minute.
The Hilltoppers continued to hold Fairmont State off the scoreboard until the 71:39 mark, when Agnes Bjork extended the Falcons' lead to 2-0.
West Liberty quickly looked to answer as Siegel had a shot saved at 76:29 and Collins followed with another chance 15 seconds later that was stopped by a team save.
Fairmont State added its final goal at 80:01 when Dinarte found the net.
Vale made two more saves in the closing minutes, but the Hilltoppers were unable to get on the scoreboard as Fairmont State closed out the 3-0 victory.
Collins finished with two shots, including one on goal, while Siegel also had two shots with one on target. Stottlemyer added two shots and one attempt on goal.
The Hilltoppers return to action Wednesday for another MEC matchup, hosting Point Park in their home opener 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.
