Elkins, W. Va. — The Wheeling University women's soccer team battled Davis & Elkins for 90 minutes Wednesday afternoon at Nuttall Field, but a late Senators goal proved to be the difference as the Cardinals fell 1-0. With the loss, Wheeling drops to 0-6 overall and 0-4 in Mountain East Conference play, while Davis & Elkins improves to 2-3-1 overall and 1-3 in MEC action.
The two teams played to a scoreless opening 45 minutes, with both sides taking four shots. Wheeling's best opportunity of the opening half came in the 29th minute when Mikayla Young put a shot on frame, but D&E goalkeeper Gabriela Acevedo made the save to keep the match scoreless. Penelope Armillei added a shot late in the half, but the Cardinals entered halftime still searching for their first goal.
The scoreless battle continued deep into the second half before the Senators broke through in the 77th minute. Meghan Andersen found the back of the net off an assist from Ryleigh Karen, giving Davis & Elkins a 1-0 lead. Wheeling continued to push for the equalizer but was unable to find the final touch as the Senators held on for the shutout.
The Cardinals finished the afternoon with a 10-7 advantage in total shots and put three attempts on goal. Jeanery Diaz recorded two shots with one on frame, while Young, Graceylyn Hanna and three others each added shots for Wheeling. Madison Reis-Elbara played all 90 minutes in goal for the Cardinals, while Acevedo made three saves to preserve the Senators shutout. Wheeling also held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.
Wheeling will return home Sunday when it hosts Fairmont State at 2 p.m.
