BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (Oct. 22, 2025) — West Virginia Wesleyan's women's soccer team delivered a strong performance on Wednesday evening at Culpepper Stadium, scoring two second-half goals to defeat Mountain East Conference rival Glenville State, 3–1. The win evens Wesleyan's record at 6–6–2 overall and 4–6–1 in MEC play and moves the team to the fourth spot in the MEC South Division.
The Bobcats opened the scoring in the 11th minute when
Sofia Avila found the back of the net to give Wesleyan a 1–0 advantage. The early goal was the product of sustained pressure, as the Bobcats outshot the Pioneers 6–1 in the first half and controlled possession for much of the period. Despite several near misses—including chances from
Tessa Grisez and
Sydne Alexander—the 1–0 lead held heading into halftime.
Glenville State pulled level in the 53rd minute when
Natalia Bernal capitalized on an assist from
Brooklyn Watts, slotting a shot past Wesleyan goalkeeper
Maite Coutinho to make it 1–1. The tie was short-lived, however, as the Bobcats immediately responded just three minutes later. Senior captain
Ava Badallo netted the go-ahead goal in the 56th minute, reclaiming the lead for Wesleyan and igniting a dominant stretch of play.
Wesleyan continued to press, and their persistence paid off again in the 80th minute when
Kailey Garofalo scored off an assist from
Sydne Alexander, putting the match out of reach at 3–1. The Bobcats' defense, anchored by
Kaydence Bonneau,
Natalie Carlock, and
Kierra Hoiler, kept the Pioneers at bay for the remainder of the contest.
Wesleyan outshot Glenville State
20–2, including a
10–1 edge in shots on goal. Avila led the Bobcats with three shots on target, while
Garofalo,
Badallo, and
Alexander were consistent attacking threats. Goalkeeper
Maite Coutinho earned the win, facing just two shots on the night. Glenville State's keeper
Lucia Lopez recorded seven saves under constant pressure.
Wesleyan heads to the University of Charleston Sunday, Oct. 26, for a 1 p.m. start.