INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State (5-3-0, 5-1-0 MEC) rode a penalty kick from Sara París Fílter, a pair of strikes from Leila Karam, and a second-half finish from Ece Lea Evin to a commanding 4-0 victory over Wheeling (2-4-2, 1-2-2 MEC) on Wednesday night at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium. The Yellow Jackets controlled the pace from the outset, scoring three times in the first half before adding one more after the break.

State wasted no time in the opening half. París Fílter put the Jackets on the board in the 13th minute by converting from the spot for her second goal of the season. Less than ten minutes later, Karam doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, finishing a sequence assisted by Laura Pouedras and París Fílter. Karam struck again just before halftime at the 43rd minute to give WVSU a commanding 3-0 edge going into the break.

In the second half, the Jackets padded their lead when Evin scored in the 61st minute, capping a smooth attacking move. From there, State's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Poppy Bastock, kept Wheeling off the scoreboard. Bastock recorded one save and earned her fourth shutout of the season.

As a team, West Virginia State outshot Wheeling 21-4, including a 7-1 edge in shots on goal. The Jackets also held a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks and committed just five fouls compared to the Cardinals' seven. Individually, Karam led the way with two goals, while París Fílter and Evin each added one. Pouedras and París Fílter both tallied assists, giving París Fílter a three-point night.

West Virginia State will be back on the pitch Sunday, Oct. 5, visiting Fairmont State for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Duvall-Rosier Field in Fairmont, W.Va.