FROSTBURG, Md. — West Virginia State University's women's soccer team (14-3-3) edged Frostburg State (15-3-2) 2-1 in the Mountain East Conference Championship Tournament semifinal Thursday night at Bobcat Stadium, riding a strong first-half offensive performance and a resilient defensive stand in the second half.

Ellise Rennie opened the scoring for the Yellow Jackets in the 13th minute, firing a shot past Frostburg goalkeeper Katie Sterne for her fourth goal of the season. West Virginia State regained their lead just four minutes after Frostburg equalized, with Leila Karam netting her 12th goal off a long ball from Nagi Higashi in the 34th minute. Higashi, a defensive standout, earned her first assist of the postseason after being sidelined for two weeks due to injury.

The opening half saw a flurry of activity from both sides, with WVSU striking first on Rennie's unassisted effort in the 13th minute. Frostburg responded with sustained pressure, culminating in a 30th-minute equalizer by Mollie Rebuck. Rebuck's goal, her sixth of the season, was assisted by Cassidy Paige and Mary Greco, showcasing Frostburg's ability to create from midfield.

Karam's decisive goal in the 34th minute put the Yellow Jackets back in control. WVSU outshot Frostburg 6-5 in the half, forcing Sterne into two saves. Meanwhile, WVSU's Laura Galindo recorded a crucial save on Carly Gillette's 43rd-minute attempt, preserving the lead heading into the break.

The second half featured a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to convert scoring opportunities. Frostburg ramped up the pressure, outshooting WVSU 6-3 in the half. However, Galindo stood tall in goal, adding another save to her tally. Frostburg's best chance came in the 88th minute when Mei Homman's shot was parried away by Galindo.

Overall, Frostburg held a narrow advantage in total shots, 11-9, but West Virginia State's precision stood out, as six of their attempts were on target compared to Frostburg's three. Galindo finished with two key saves for the Yellow Jackets, while Sterne recorded four for the Bobcats. WVSU committed just four fouls to Frostburg's nine, while both teams earned a near-equal number of corner kicks, with Frostburg edging WVSU 4-3.

Frostburg dominated possession in the second half but couldn't find the equalizer.

The Yellow Jackets now turn their attention to Sunday's MEC Championship final, where they will face archrival University of Charleston at the Welch Athletic Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.