Wheeling, W. Va. – After getting in the win column last time out, the Wheeling University Women's Soccer team (4-8, 3-6) is looking to build momentum as they return to Bishop Schmitt Field on Sunday. They wrap up their run against the Mountain East Conference (MEC) South Division when they host Glenville State at 4 PM. They are just one win away from their win total from 2023 and try to maintain their third place ranking in the MEC North.

Last time out, the Cardinals went on the road and battled West Virginia Wesleyan on Wednesday. It was a back and forth game throughout, and the defenses held strong in the first half. The Cardinals held a slight shot advantage, outshooting the Bobcats 6-4 over the first 45 minutes. However, each team got one shot on net in the half and each goalkeeper would make one save during that time. As they came out for the second half, the Cardinals struck fast and furious and got on the board in the 50th minute. West Virginia Wesleyan tried to get the equalizer, putting four shots on net during the final 30 minutes, but each time their shot was saved by the Cardinals. Wheeling would get the 1-0 win and, with three of their next four games coming at home, they look to build momentum towards the MEC Tournament.

Leading the way for the Cardinals was goalkeeper Olivia Kqira, who finished with five saves as she picked up her second shutout of the season. After facing just one shot on net over the first 45 minutes of play, she would have her work cut out for her in the second half. She would make four saves over the final 45 minutes of play, with her final save coming in the 73rd minute, as she was able to complete the shutout. The Cardinal's defense has been one of the backbones of the team this season, with Kqira leading the way. She holds a .640 save percentage on the season while holding a 2.80 goals against average. The Cardinal's defense looks to continue to be a strong point for the Cardinals down the stretch, opening opportunities for their offense.

The Cardinals offensive effort was once again led by senior Mary DiFonzo, who scored the lone goal of the day. It was her team-leading seventh goal of the season and gave her 15 points on the season. DiFonzo's offensive success has been a launch point for the Cardinals, with the team sitting 4-2 when DiFonzo scores at least one goal in the game, compared to an 0-6 mark when she is held scoreless. DiFonzo looks to continue to spark the Cardinals as they head down the six-game stretch. Olivia Hoban and Talynn DeBartolo each picked up assists on that goal, with Hoban picking up her second assist of the season. While not always on the scoresheet, Hoban has been strong in the midfield for the Cardinals, serving as a captain for the team for the second straight season.

With this final game against the MEC South, the Cardinals are preparing for the final stretch towards the MEC Tournament. The Cardinals currently hold the #3 spot in the MEC North Division, holding a slight one-point lead over West Liberty. They are currently six points behind Fairmont State for the #2 spot, and have a prime chance to climb higher down the stretch. They match up against the #5 team in the MEC South on Sunday, and a win would get them to 4-6 in conference play, giving them 11 points in conference play. With the MEC North remaining over the final five games, the fate of the Cardinals will be in their hands, and if they win they can set themselves up for success in this year's tournament.

The Matchup

The Cardinals and Pioneers are meeting for the fifth time in program history on Sunday, with Wheeling leading the all-time series at 3-2. The Cardinal success has been even more prevalent at home, with Wheeling holding a 3-1 record compared to an 0-1 mark in Glenville State. Wheeling has averaged 2.8 goals per game in the all-time series, and have won back-to-back matchups with the Pioneers dating back to the 2021 season.

Their last meeting came on October 15th, 2023, in a game where the Cardinals would pick up a 2-1 victory. The two Cardinal goals were scored by Mary DiFonzo and Talynn DeBartolo, while DeBartolo and Morgan Montani each picked up assists on the day. Olivia Kqira got the start in net and made five saves on six shots faced on the day to round out the defense.

The Details

Kick-off for Sunday's game is scheduled for 4 PM inside Bishop Schmitt Field. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.