FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia Wesleyan women's soccer struck early but couldn't hold off a strong second-half surge from Fairmont State, falling 4–1 in Mountain East Conference play Wednesday evening at Duvall-Rosier Field.
 
The Bobcats (4–5–1, 2–5 MEC) opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Mia Rodriguez found the back of the net for her first goal of the season, giving Wesleyan a 1–0 advantage. The lead was short-lived, however, as Fairmont State equalized just three minutes later on a goal from Valentina Gianinetto, assisted by Filippa Stalhammar, to tie the match 1–1 at halftime.
 
Goalkeeper Maite Coutinho made a key save in the 29th minute to preserve the deadlock before the break, while Isabella Mazza provided an early offensive spark with a pair of first-half shots on goal.
 
Fairmont State (7–1–1, 5–1–1 MEC) came out aggressive to start the second half, breaking the tie just 1:42 into the period on Dayra Dinarte's go-ahead goal. The Falcons added insurance in the 52nd minute when Stalhammar converted on a setup from Agnes Maerta Bjoerk, and Kate Bertrand sealed the result with a late strike in the 85th minute.
 
Wesleyan generated offensive chances throughout the match, recording eight total shots—five of which were on frame—but could not find a second breakthrough against Fairmont's goalkeeper Olivia Johnston, who finished with four saves.
 
Defensively, Kaydence Bonneau and Natalie Carlock anchored the back line, each logging a full 90 minutes. Coutinho made two saves in goal, facing 14 shots from a relentless Fairmont attack.
 
The Bobcats return to Culpepper Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 12 for a 1 p.m. match with the Point Park University Pioneers.