INSTITUTE – The West Virginia State University women's soccer team scored three second-half goals Sunday afternoon to secure a 5-1 Mountain East Conference victory over West Virginia Wesleyan College. The win improves WVSU to 7-3-5 overall and 7-2-4 in MEC action, while the Bobcats fall to 6-7-2 overall and 6-6-1 in MEC play.
The Yellow Jackets broke through in the 14th minute when Rachel Okoro converted a pass from Leila Karam to put WVSU ahead 1-0. Okoro struck again in the 31st minute, netting an unassisted goal following consecutive corner kicks to extend the advantage to 2-0.
Shortly after the restart, Maria Alejandra Hernandez Diaz logged a shot on goal that was turned away by the West Virginia Wesleyan goalkeeper. The Bobcats generated their best scoring opportunity of the opening half in the final 30 seconds, but the shot rolled wide of the net.
WVSU launched a second-half offensive surge, scoring three goals in the opening four minutes of the period. Karam initiated the run in the 47th minute off an assist from Okoro. Approximately one minute later, Sara Paris Filter found the back of the net, followed 50 seconds later by Karam's second goal of the match—assisted by Paris Filter—to push the lead to 5-0.
West Virginia Wesleyan capitalized on its lone second-half scoring chance in the 82nd minute to bring the score to 5-1. WVSU maintained pressure throughout the period, recording five shots on goal in the second half and eight total for the match while holding a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
WVSU remains at home Wednesday, Oct. 21, to host Shawnee State University at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
