BUCKHANNON — West Virginia Wesleyan’s women’s soccer team delivered a strong performance on Wednesday evening at Culpepper Stadium, scoring two second-half goals to defeat Mountain East Conference rival Glenville State, 3–1. The win evens Wesleyan’s record at 6–6–2 overall and 4–6–1 in MEC play and moves the team to the fourth spot in the MEC South Division.
The Lady Bobcats opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Sofia Avila found the back of the net to give Wesleyan a 1–0 advantage. The early goal was the product of sustained pressure, as the Lady Bobcats outshot the Pioneers 6–1 in the first half and controlled possession for much of the period. Despite several near misses—including chances from Tessa Grisez and Sydne Alexander—the 1–0 lead held heading into halftime.
Glenville State pulled level in the 53rd minute when Natalia Bernal capitalized on an assist from Brooklyn Watts, slotting a shot past Wesleyan goalkeeper Maite Coutinho to make it 1–1. The tie was short-lived, however, as the Lady Bobcats immediately responded just three minutes later. Senior captain Ava Badallo netted the go-ahead goal in the 56th minute, reclaiming the lead for Wesleyan and igniting a dominant stretch of play.
Wesleyan continued to press, and their persistence paid off again in the 80th minute when Kailey Garofalo scored off an assist from Sydne Alexander, putting the match out of reach at 3–1. The Bobcats’ defense, anchored by Kaydence Bonneau, Natalie Carlock, and Kierra Hoiler, kept the Pioneers at bay for the remainder of the contest.
Wesleyan outshot Glenville State 20–2, including a 10–1 edge in shots on goal. Avila led the Bobcats with three shots on target, while Garofalo, Badallo, and Alexander were consistent attacking threats. Goalkeeper Maite Coutinho earned the win, facing just two shots on the night. Glenville State’s keeper Lucia Lopez recorded seven saves under constant pressure.
Wesleyan heads to the University of Charleston Sunday, Oct. 26, for a 1 p.m. start.
