No. 22 WVU Women’s Soccer edges No. 23 Penn State, 2-1

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​No. 22 WVU Women’s Soccer (2-0-0) played host to No. 23 Penn State (0-1-1) Thursday at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown. Looking to avenge last season’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Nittany Lions, the Mountaineers entered the contest as underdogs in a series Penn State came in leading 15-7-3.

West Virginia responded with a gritty performance, rallying for a 2-1 victory in front of a supportive home crowd. Read more: No. 22 WVU Women’s Soccer edges No. 23 Penn State, 2-1.

First-half battle

Penn State opened the scoring with a goal from Anna Babcock with 34:21 remaining in the first half, putting the visitors ahead and testing the resolve of the also-ranked Mountaineers.

Rather than fold, West Virginia buckled down with intensity and determination. Shortly after recording their first shot of the contest, the Mountaineers equalized on a long-range strike from 30 yards out by Olivia Shertzer with just over 11 minutes remaining in the half. The spectacular effort from distance shifted the momentum and energized the home sideline.

The first half concluded tied at 1-1, with Penn State holding a slight edge in shots, 3-2. Both teams traded possessions and created limited chances, setting the stage for a tense second period.

Mountaineers break the deadlock

Following a hard-fought opening to the second half, the Mountaineers broke the deadlock when Sophia Nickel received a superb pass from Jordyn Wilson and finished past the goaltender, giving West Virginia a 2-1 advantage with under 23 minutes remaining.

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The well-timed combination play highlighted the growing chemistry within the WVU attack and rewarded the team’s persistent pressure. Nickel’s clinical finish proved to be the difference-maker, as the Mountaineers’ defense tightened and limited Penn State’s opportunities to respond. West Virginia controlled more of the tempo after the go-ahead goal, forcing the Nittany Lions into difficult situations while protecting the slim lead.

Victory secured

Nickel’s goal proved decisive in securing a 2-1 victory for the Mountaineers, who defeated Penn State while outshooting them 4-3.

The hard-earned result marked an important early-season statement for the No. 22 squad, avenging the previous year’s loss and improving their standing against a fellow ranked opponent. With the win at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, West Virginia showed the fight and quality needed to compete at a high level. The Mountaineers will aim to build on this momentum as they turn their attention to the Duquesne Dukes. The Mountaineers will face the Dukes Sunday at 1 p.m. in Morgantown.

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