Wheeling, W. Va. - After playing back-to-back Mountain East Conference (MEC) games at home, the Wheeling University Women's Lacrosse team (4-4, 2-1) hits the road as they look for a bounce back. The Cardinals will travel to Charleston looking to leap frog themselves into the #2 spot in the conference. Wheeling would win the fall ball meeting between the two teams, and is looking to translate that success into their regular season matchup.
Last time out, the Cardinals took on the #1 team in the conference in Frostburg State, and the Bobcats showed why they hold that distinction. Frostburg State would strike for eight runs during that first quarter and the Cardinals would look to play catch-up the rest of the night. Wheeling would account for two goals during the first half, one in each quarter and by the halftime break, the score sat 12-2 in favor of Frostburg State. Despite the score, the Cardinals continued to battle through the second half, equaling the Bobcats with 12 shots over the final 30 minutes of play. The Cardinals would tack on four more goals in that second half, before falling by the final score of 21-6.
Despite the loss, it was another strong showing for Trinity Rose, who finished with a team-high three points on the day. She would total two goals and one assist in the effort, with both of those goals coming during the second half. She would put both of her shots on net on the day and was the Cardinal's leader with five draw controls in the game. Rose has been a leader for this upstart Cardinal's team, leading the way with 25 goals on the season, sitting nine higher than the next closest player. She ranks seventh in the MEC in goals (25) and points (32) this season, while also sitting fourth in groundballs (35) and fifth in draw controls (38). She looks to continue to be a force on both sides of the ball as the Cardinals head down the stretch.
It was also a milestone day on Saturday for the Cardinal goalie as Maisy Latus reached her 500th career save in the effort. It came during the game's second half as she picked up her second save of the day to hit the milestone between her time with Wheeling and Davenport. Latus has been the captain of the Cardinal defense, leading the team with 66 saves this season, as she continues working in net. Alongside her is freshman Giovanna Perkins, who earned honors this past week from the MEC. She was named the MEC's Defensive Player of the Week this past week, finishing with 22 saves on 39 shots faced between the Davis & Elkins and Frostburg State games. Both goalies have played well for the Cardinals throughout the year and look to continue leading the defensive effort throughout the year.
With five of their remaining six games coming in MEC play, the Cardinals are looking to hit a run down the stretch. They currently sit tied for second with their Saturday opponent, the University of Charleston for the #2 spot in the conference, and sit a game and a half behind Frostburg State for the top spot. With the top four teams making it to the 2025 MEC Women's Lacrosse Tournament, the Cardinals will look to take care of business and hold their own destiny throughout April. With two more matchups with Charleston, and one with every other team in the conference, Wheeling has plenty of opportunities to rack up conference wins and secure their spot in the MEC Tournament.
The Matchup
The Cardinals and Golden Eagles are meeting for the sixth time in program history, with Wheeling leading the all-time series at 5-0. On trips to Charleston, West Virginia, the Cardinals are 3-0 and they hold a 2-0 all-time record at Bishop Schmitt Field. However, the teams are renewing their rivalry for the first time since 2019 with Wheeling bringing back the program, and the Cardinals look to keep that success going.
Their last meeting came on April 28th, 2019, in a game the Cardinals would win in an offensive shootout 18-16. Former Cardinal Ally Coggins led the way, finishing with six goals and one assist to total a team high 11 points on the day. Former Cardinal Bethany Wallingford added three goals on the day while former Cardinal Emma Stair would make eight saves on the day while facing 24 shots on net.
The Details
Opening draw for Satuday's game is scheduled for 12 PM inside the Welch Athletic Complex on the campus of The University of Charleston. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
