WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's soccer team finally gets to play in front of its home fans Wednesday when the Hilltoppers welcome Point Park University to the West Family Athletic Complex for a 5 p.m. Mountain East Conference matchup.

West Liberty enters the home opener at 0-2-1 overall and 0-1 in MEC play after opening the season with three consecutive road matches. The Hilltoppers dropped a 1-0 decision at D'Youville in the season opener, battled Malone to a scoreless draw and fell 3-0 at Fairmont State on Sunday.

Despite the slow start offensively, West Liberty has shown a strong defensive presence through the opening three matches. Junior goalkeeper Kaisa Vale has played all 270 minutes in goal, recording 15 saves while posting a 1.33 goals-against average and a .789 save percentage. Vale also recorded a shutout in the scoreless draw at Malone.

The Hilltoppers have been held scoreless through the first three matches but have put 11 of their 15 shots on goal. Freshman forward Kylie Collins leads the team with five shots and four shots on goal, while Ari Bosh and Frida Lundberg have each recorded multiple shots on frame.

Wednesday's opponent, Point Park, comes to West Liberty at 1-2-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Pioneers opened their MEC schedule with a 2-0 home victory against Wheeling on Sunday, getting both goals from Rebecca Pihlgren in the 80th and 81st minutes.

Pihlgren enters Wednesday's matchup after being named MEC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week. The reigning MEC Freshman of the Year and 2025 First Team All-MEC selection is tied for the conference lead with two goals this season.

Point Park has also been strong defensively. The Pioneers have allowed just one goal per match through three games, while goalkeeper Nicole Kuchinski has posted a 0.50 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

The Hilltoppers will be looking to reverse the recent series trend. Point Park holds a 2-1-1 advantage in the all-time series, which dates back to 2013. The teams split the 2024 meetings, with West Liberty earning a 2-1 home victory before the teams played to a 1-1 draw in Pittsburgh.

Point Park won last year's meeting in West Liberty, 5-1, before the Hilltoppers rallied for a 1-1 draw in the return match in Pittsburgh.

Wednesday's match marks the beginning of a four-match stretch in which West Liberty will play three times at home. Following the Point Park match, the Hilltoppers travel to Wheeling on Sunday before returning home Sept. 20 to host Davis & Elkins.
 



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.