Soccer

Saige Wimes sends No. 7 WVU past Army

WEST POINT, N.Y. — Saige Wimes’ goal in the 86th minute Sunday kept the seventh-ranked WVU women’s soccer team undefeated on the season, pulling the Mountaineers to a late 2-1 victory against Army inside Malek Stadium at Clinton Field.

It was the first goal of the season for Wimes, a transfer from Kansas, and it came after a WVU corner kick. Wimes was able to clean up the possession and sent her shot to the high right and past Army keeper Karalyn Dail with just four minutes, 20 seconds remaining in the match. Gianna Koss was credited with an assist on the winning goal.

WVU has scored two goals in each of its first four victories and the Mountaineers have outscored their opponents, 8-2, on the season.

After a scoreless first half, the Mountaineers (4-0) scored first in the 65th minute, when Abbey Olexa took in a pass from Sophia Nickel and went to the bottom right part of the goal for a 1-0 lead.

Army tied the match just three minutes later with a goal from Bella Conti, setting up Wimes’ game winner.

For Nickel, the junior forward picked up her first assist of the season, giving her at least one point scored in all four of WVU’s matches. She has seven points this season.

The Mountaineers got off 20 shots in the match, with eight of those shots going on goal. WVU also held a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.

WVU keeper Bailey Herfurth only faced three shots on goal and came away with two saves. Dail recorded six saves for Army (2-4).

The Mountaineers return home to host in-state rival Marshall, at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6, at Dick Dlesk Stadium.