Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling University women's soccer team returns to Bishop Schmitt Field Sunday afternoon when the Cardinals welcome Fairmont State for a Mountain East Conference (MEC) matchup at 2 p.m. Wheeling enters the contest at 0-6 overall and 0-4 in MEC play after falling 1-0 at Davis & Elkins on Wednesday, while Fairmont State comes to Wheeling unbeaten at 5-0-1 overall and 3-0-1 in conference play.

The Cardinals are coming off one of their closest contests of the season against Davis & Elkins, battling through a scoreless opening 45 minutes before the Senators scored in the 77th minute. Wheeling finished the afternoon with a 10-7 advantage in shots and put three attempts on goal, with Jeanery Diaz recording two shots and Mikayla Young, Graceylyn Hanna and three others each adding an attempt. Madison Reis-Elbara played all 90 minutes in goal, while Wheeling also held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.

Fairmont State enters Sunday's matchup having won five of their first six games, including a 1-0 victory over Point Park Wednesday night. The Falcons controlled the offensive side of the field throughout the contest, finishing with a 22-5 advantage in shots and an 8-3 edge in shots on goal. Payton Parliament provided the game's lone goal in the 66th minute off an assist from Emelly Chicas, while goalkeeper Olivia Johnston recorded three saves to preserve the shutout.

Sunday marks the 23rd meeting between Wheeling and Fairmont State, with the Falcons holding a 16-4-2 advantage in the all-time series. Fairmont State has won the last meeting, earning a 4-0 victory in the 2025 matchup, while the teams played to a 1-1 draw at Bishop Schmitt Field earlier last season. Wheeling will look to turn the page on the recent series history while continuing to build its identity under first-year head coach Jaclyn Ketter.