WEST CHESTER, Pa. — West Virginia State women's soccer (0-1, 0-0 MEC) opened the 2025 season on the road at Rockwell Field, falling 2-0 to West Chester (1-0, 0-0 PSAC) on Thursday afternoon. Despite the setback, senior goalkeeper Poppy Bastock turned in a historic performance with 11 saves, marking the fourth most in a single match in program history and the most since Laura Galindo recorded 15 stops at Frostburg State on Oct. 11, 2023.

The Yellow Jackets managed four shots, including two on goal, but could not break through against the Golden Rams defense. West Chester generated consistent pressure with 18 total shots (13 on frame) and was flagged for 10 offsides, including one that wiped out a goal. The Golden Rams netted both of their official tallies in the first half and held State scoreless the rest of the way, while Bastock kept the contest within reach by making five saves before halftime and six more after the break.

WVSU will look to rebound on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Bloomsburg, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m.