Glenville, W. Va. – After earning a tie on Wednesday night against West Virginia Wesleyan, the Wheeling University Women's Soccer team (4-7-2, 2-6-2) hit the road to Glenville State on Sunday looking for a big win. They did just that as they took down the Pioneers 2-1, to earn a much-needed three points in the MEC Tournament race. It also continued a trend for the Cardinals as they remain undefeated in games this season where they score two or more goals, moving to 4-0-1 in games where they score at least two goals in a game.

Over the first 15 minutes of play, the two teams battled it out for possession in the midfield, with neither team able to make a run to the net. There were offsides calls against both teams during that run, but the Cardinals built off their offsides in the 15th minute. They were able to steal the ball back from Glenville State, and Talynn DeBartolo sent Mary DiFonzo on a run with a beautiful pass down field. DiFonzo took advantage at the 16:35 mark, and found the back of the net to put the Cardinals  in front 1-0. It continued another trend for the Cardinals as they are also undefeated when they score first in games this season, at 4-0-2, and they looked to keep that trend going.

It took a while for the Pioneer's offense to find their footing, as they didn't get a shot off until the game's 32nd minute. Wheeling goalkeeper Olivia Kqira denied them on their first attempt, but a minute later they snuck one past her. A foul on Wheeling set up the shot and in the 33rd minute, the game was tied at 1-1. Wheeling would make a sub following the goal, bringing Phepha Seopa in and the Cardinals made a run on the ensuing kick-off. In the 36th minute, Morgan Montani sent DeBartolo on a run and DeBartolo converted it for the second goal of the day as the Cardinals went ahead 2-1. It was DeBartolo's team leading sixth goal of the season and the team would head into the locker room with that same 2-1 lead.

The Cardinals had both of their winning factors on their side entering the second half. They scored first and they had multiple goals on the board as they looked to hold off the Pioneers over the final 45 minutes of play. Glenville State would come out swinging as they took the first two shots of the second half. Kqira made the save on the only shot on net and kept the Cardinal's 2-1 lead in tact. Glenville State took several shots throughout the half, outshooting the Cardinals 9-2 over the final 45 minutes, with four of those landing on net. Kqira continued her strong play so far in 2023, and made the save on all four shots. Her biggest save came in the 83rd minute after DiFonzo put a shot on net on the other end. She dove to her right to make the save and preserve the lead as the Cardinals went on to win by that 2-1 score.

Leading the way for the offense was Talynn DeBartolo, who finished with one goal and one assist in the victory. It was her team-leading sixth goal of the season and marks her fifth goal in her last seven games as she heats up down the stretch. The other goal came courtesy of Mary DiFonzo, who led the team with two shots, one on goal, along with her fifth goal of the season. The final shot of the day came from Allison Cook, who returned from injury this afternoon as she prepares down the stretch. Olivia Kqira got the start in net for the Cardinals, finishing with five saves on six shots faced throughout the afternoon. It is three more points added to the conference record as they move to within two points of the final playoff spot in the MEC North.

The Wheeling University Women's Soccer team returns to action on Wednesday, October 18th, when they take on Salem with kick-off at 4 PM.