Local Sports, Sports, University

University girls’ soccer team plays Wheeling Park to 0-0 draw

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The University defense held firm against one of the topoffenses in the state, as the Hawks (3-1-1) tied Wheeling Park (3-0-2) on Tuesday at Mylan Pharmaceuticals Stadium.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way our ladies worked tonight,” UHS coach Graham Peace said. “We battled every minute against one of the best teams in the state. They were missing some starters due to injury, but Park is an outstanding, well-coached team with skill at every position. That was a terrific team effort, on our part, and Lizzy Edwards was rock solid in goal.”

After a first half dominated by defense, Wheeling Park turned on the offense after the break. Edwards made several excellent saves in the Hawks’ goal, including two close range shots from Patriots forward Eldana Smith, and three longer range shots from WVU commit Faith Mealy.

The Hawks best chance came on a quick counter attack, with Emily Lattea shooting just wide after finding a seam through the Park defense. Edwards made 13 saves to record her third shutout of the season, while Jillian Blair made five saves for Wheeling Park.

UHS next plays at 10 a.m. Saturday, hosting Spring Mills.