WHEELING, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (5-2-2, 5-1-1 MEC) claimed a dramatic 2-1 win over Wheeling University (2-6-0, 1-4-0 MEC) on October 2, 2024, at Bishop Schmitt Field, thanks to a late game-winner from Sandra Linares with just 27 seconds left in the match.

Wheeling took the lead in the 35th minute when Lily Hanna scored, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. But WVSU came out strong in the second half, with Linares equalizing in the 51st minute. She capitalized on assists from Maxima Bellscheidt and a Billie Jean Davies corner kick to make it 1-1.

Both teams fought hard throughout the remainder of the match, trading opportunities. With the game seemingly headed for a draw, State took a 30 yard shot that was blcoked by a Wheeling defender. The rebound took an awkward bounce though and landed straight into Karissa Vela's lap. Vela dropped a pass back to Linares who delivered once again, hitting and center of the net and scoring her second goal of the day with the clock showing 27 seconds left. The last-minute strike secured the 2-1 victory for the Yellow Jackets.

West Virginia State outshot Wheeling 6-5 in the second half, with goalkeeper Laura Galindo making two critical saves assisted by a third save by the WVSU defense to help preserve the win.

With this result, WVSU improves its Mountain East Conference record and remains within reach of first place Charleston. They will next face Fairmont State at home on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium in Institute​.