INSTITUTE, W.Va. — Top-seeded West Virginia State University continues its postseason campaign Wednesday night, hosting third-seeded Charleston in the Mountain East Conference Semifinals at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. as the Yellow Jackets look to remain perfect at home and advance to their second straight MEC Championship match.

West Virginia State (15–3–1, 14–1–1 MEC)

The Yellow Jackets enter the semifinal on a seven-match winning streak and are undefeated at home this season with a 9–0 mark. WVSU has outscored opponents 55–21 while averaging 2.89 goals per game and holding foes to just 1.12. The offense has been widespread, with six players recording at least four goals.

Leading the attack is Leila Karam, who has scored 11 times with three game-winners. Sara Paris Filter adds eight goals and four assists, while Rachel Okoro has found the net nine times in just eight matches. Ece Lea Evin and Laura Pouedras each contribute five goals and six assists apiece. Defensively, Poppy Bastock anchors the group in goal with a 1.18 GAA, .741 save percentage, and seven shutouts.

How They Got Here
WVSU earned its semifinal berth with a 1–0 quarterfinal win over West Liberty. Leila Karam scored her 11th goal of the season in the 56th minute off an assist from Sharon Omonigho, while the Yellow Jacket defense secured the shutout—its seventh of the year.

Charleston (9–7–3, 7–5–3 MEC)

Charleston arrives in Institute after a 2–1 quarterfinal upset over Frostburg State. The Golden Eagles have scored 43 goals this season while allowing 26, led by a balanced lineup featuring five players with at least three goals. They average 13.4 shots per game and hold a .169 shot percentage.

Jamie Bland and Sydney Crowe share the team lead with five goals each, while Li-Lou Debecker leads UC with seven assists. Linsey Hackney has matched that scoring mark with five goals of her own, and Anna Gregg adds three. Between the posts, Ines Degli Esposti (7–4–2, 1.47 GAA, .771 SV%) and Sofia Chaverra Mosquera (2–3–1, 1.29 GAA, .844 SV%) have split time, combining for five shutouts.

How They Got Here
Charleston knocked off Frostburg State 2–1 in Sunday's quarterfinal. After Frostburg's Cassidy Paige opened the scoring in the 12th minute, the Golden Eagles answered through Ava Bourne in the 17th, assisted by Sydney Crowe. Maya Pooler then netted the game-winner in the 51st minute off a pass from Jamie Bland.

Series History

This marks the third meeting of the season between the two programs, with WVSU winning both prior matchups by scores of 2-0 and 2–1. The Golden Eagles have not scored from open play against the Yellow Jackets this season—the lone Charleston goal was a WVSU own goal in the Nov. 5 match. WVSU has now won four straight in the series and leads the all-time matchup 7–5–3.

If They Win

The winner of Wednesday's semifinal will advance to Sunday's Mountain East Conference Championship match. If WVSU wins, they will host the championship. If UC wins, they'll travel to the winner of the Fairmont State vs. Concord semifinal.