SHEPHERDSTOWN – Natalie Prater needed just 45 seconds to find the back of the net as the West Virginia Wesleyan College women’s soccer team sailed to a 2-0 win at Shepherd University on Wednesday afternoon. The victory was the sixth in a row for the Lady ‘Cats.
Haelly Ramirez played the ball to Prater for the early goal, and the Lady ‘Cats would go on to dominate the first half but without again scoring.
Prater had a chance to extend the Wesleyan lead in the 57th minute, but her penalty kick was saved by Shepherd keeper Megan Byers. The physical match continued at 1-0 until the 74th minute, when Maddy LaPole scored on an assist from Isabella Salas to put the game at the final 2-0 margin.
The game was marred by penalties, with a combined 21 fouls being whistled. A total of six cards were issued, including yellows to Wesleyan’s Ramirez, Carolyn Saulle, Kayla Fay and Alex O’Brien. Shepherd’s Maria Radcliffe and Braden Pickett were also shown yellow, while a team red was assessed in the 87th minute.
The Lady ‘Cats dominated statistically, outshooting the Lady Rams 19-7 and attempting fiver corner kicks while Shepherd had zero. Chelsea Hubner recorded four saves in goal for Wesleyan the first half, while Ashlee Schumacher had just one in the second stanza.
Wesleyan will be back at home on Sunday against Wheeling Jesuit. The game is set to kick off at 3 p.m.