BUCKHANNON — The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats women’s soccer team fought back twice on Sunday afternoon to earn a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Point Park University at Culpepper Stadium. The Lady Bobcats showed resilience after conceding an early goal, scoring in each half to level the match and close out a spirited MEC contest.
Point Park wasted no time finding the scoreboard, taking the lead just 32 seconds into play when Rebecca Pihlgren slipped one past Wesleyan keeper Maite Coutinho. Despite the early setback, the Lady Bobcats responded with composure. In the 19th minute, Isabella Mazza netted the equalizer, converting Wesleyan’s first shot on goal to make it 1–1.
The tie was short-lived, however, as the Pioneers answered less than a minute later. Paula Solé found the back of the net at 19:11 to give Point Park a 2–1 advantage heading into halftime. The Bobcats created several quality chances before the break, including shots from Natalie Carlock and Paloma Zamora, but couldn’t find the finishing touch.
Wesleyan controlled much of the second half, maintaining possession and pressing the Pioneers’ backline. That persistence paid off in the 71st minute when defender Carlie Ice made a key run into the box and finished a setup from Ashley McGee, tying the match at 2–2.
The Lady Bobcats continued to push for the go-ahead goal, outshooting Point Park 5–2 in the second half and earning three corner kicks. Mazza, Ice, and Isabella Pinczel each placed shots on frame, but Point Park goalkeeper Nicole Kuchinski recorded four crucial saves to preserve the draw.
Coutinho went the full 90 minutes in goal for Wesleyan, facing six total shots.
Wesleyan heads on the road to Wheeling University on Wednesday, Oct. 15 for a 4 p.m. match against the Cardinals.
