BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Junior forward Beth Burchett evened the score late in the first half, but Slippery Rock (1-0-0) scored the go-ahead goal late in the second half as the West Virginia Wesleyan (0-1-0) women’s soccer team dropped their season opener on Thursday night by a 2-1 score.

The Rock broke open the scoring in the 22^nd minute after Ashley Rea converted a penalty kick that followed a WVWC foul in the box. The Lady Bobcats responded nine minutes later to tie the score. Hannah Murphy lofted a pass over the Slippery Rock defense and found Burchett in the middle of the pitch. Burchett delivered the equalizer and knotted the score. At the end of the first half, both teams were even with one goal apiece.

Freshman striker Sydney Vilain created an opportunity in the 75^th minute with a chance to put the Lady ‘Cats ahead. A Slippery Rock defender deflected to ball away from the net for a team save and the score remained tied. Slippery Rock’s Kylee Kosek slipped a pass to Jamie Dermotta, who capitalized on a crucial goal that put the visitors ahead late in the second half. Slippery Rock came away with a 2-1 road victory.

West Virginia Wesleyan women’s soccer will play its first road match on Sunday (Aug. 28) at Walsh in North Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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