University girls’ soccer dominates Morgantown 10-0, earning first win in rivalry since 2019
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MORGANTOWN – The University High School girls’ soccer team did something on Tuesday night that it hasn't done in seven seasons with a 10-0 mercy-rule victory over crosstown rival Morgantown High on Baker's Ridge.
In the past five seasons, the Mohigans have been one of the best programs in the state in any class, winning two state championships, having two players named as State Gatorade Player of the Year, and seeing multiple players named to WVHSSCA all-state teams.
But the tides have turned in the past year, and the Hawks are now the talk of the state in girls soccer, off to a 9-1 record after their latest victory on Tuesday, the first against MHS since 2019.
On Tuesday, UHS was led by freshman Braylee Armentrout, who scored a hat trick. Sophomores Lauren Goodenow and Ava Gizzi each contributed two goals and two assists. Junior Siena Mayle, sophomore Caitlyn Stout, and freshman Jules Gutta added the other three goals.
The hosts dominated possession for the entirety of the contest, with the ball only crossing midfield a handful of times. Gutta's long-range goal with 15 minutes left on the clock triggered the 10-goal mercy rule, giving the Hawks their ninth win.
Last season, the rivals battled to a 1-1 draw, but UHS was young and inexperienced. The same could be argued for this year's squad, with nine of their 11 starters being freshmen or sophomores.
But the Hawks have the talent on the field in all three phases of the pitch and work well as a cohesive unit. 11 different players have tallied at least one goal and/or one assist in 2026 thus far. They've scored 48 total goals while allowing only four to their opponents. UHS has victories over teams that have dominated the state in the past, such as Wheeling Park and Morgantown. The Hawks' lone loss on the record came to Washington in a 2-1 defeat.
"I was very pleased with the way we moved the ball, particularly on the wings," UHS head coach Graham Peace said. "I thought we scored some quality goals. We know MHS is in a rebuilding phase, and we were impressed with the way they fought to the end."
Morgantown has undergone a near full turnover in its roster and coaching, with nearly all of its 2025 production gone from a season ago.
First-year head coach Alyson Hill and her team earned their lone win against Martinsburg but have struggled in other contests. MHS defeated the Bulldogs 2-1 to open the season but hasn't scored a goal since, allowing 55 goals through eight games.
"It seems to go in cycles, and fortunately for us we're on the ascendancy side right now," Peace said. "But we've also been on the other end of that. It's always great to win a rivalry game, and we'll enjoy this today. But it's one game in the big scheme of things."
MHS will have its next chance for a second victory on Thursday on a visit to Buckhannon-Upshur.
University will hit the road on Saturday morning for a massive contest with Hedgesville.