CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia State University avenged an earlier season loss to Charleston with a determined 2-1 victory in the Kanawha River Derby, a Mountain East Conference clash held at the Welch Athletic Complex on Wednesday night. State took a 2-0 lead but saw that lead cut in half after a UC penalty kick, however the Yellow Jackets were able to hang on for the win.

WVSU, now 12-3-3 overall and 11-2-2 in the MEC, took 11 shots with 5 on target, securing both goals through París Fílter, who was assisted by Vela, McCall, and Tobaru. Laura Galindo anchored the defense with 6 crucial saves to preserve the lead. Charleston, with a record of 14-4-0 and 13-2-0 in the MEC, had 18 shots, 7 of which were on target. Their sole goal came from a penalty kick by Lina Jaime in the 59th minute. Charleston also had 8 fouls and received a yellow card late in the game.

WVSU opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Sara París Fílter netted a goal, assisted by Karissa Vela and Kay-Lynn McCall. Shortly after halftime, París Fílter struck again in the 48th minute, with assists from Vela and Aika Tobaru, giving WVSU a 2-0 lead. Charleston responded in the 59th minute with a penalty kick goal from Lina Jaime after a WVSU handling call in the 18, reducing the deficit to one. Despite several offensive pushes from Charleston, including 18 total shots, WVSU held their lead.

The Yellow Jackets now look ahead to the quarterfinals of the Mountain East Tournament which will be held at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 11. Their quarterfinal opponent will be the West Liberty Hilltoppers after the Hilltoppers secured a 2-1 victory Wednesday night over Wheeling. Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.