WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – After dropping their previous two matches, Glenville State Women's Soccer returned to the win column with a 3-2 victory over West Liberty on Wednesday (Sept. 30) evening at the West Family Athletic Complex. Valentina Quiroz scored twice in the first half and Solares Solano netted the game-winning goal in the second half as the Pioneers improved to (5-5) overall and (5-3) in Mountain East Conference play. Glenville had entered the match following conference losses to Frostburg State and Point Park.
1st Half
The Pioneers wasted little time creating chances, earning an early corner kick. After having a shot saved in the 17th minute, Valentina Quiroz quickly found the breakthrough, scoring less than 30 seconds later to give Glenville State a 1-0 lead.
West Liberty answered midway through the half when Kylie Collins connected on a goal off an assist from Rylee Stottlemyer to level the score at 1-1. The back-and-forth battle continued as Quiroz struck again in the 31st minute, restoring the Pioneer advantage with her second goal of the match. The Hilltoppers responded once more before halftime when Collins netted her second goal in the 43rd minute, sending the teams into the break tied 2-2.
2nd Half
After four goals were scored in the opening half, the second half turned into a defensive battle. Glenville State controlled possession and generated the majority of the scoring opportunities, limiting West Liberty to no shots over the final 45 minutes. Aitana Viejo and Quiroz each threatened early in the half before the Pioneers finally regained the lead in the 70th minute. Solares Solano buried the eventual game-winner to put Glenville State in front 3-2.
The Pioneers continued to apply pressure after taking the lead. Solano forced a save moments later, while Mya Davila and Isabella Cuellar-Gutierrez each put shots on target during the closing stages. West Liberty goalkeeper Rayna Hoover made several stops to keep the match within reach, but Glenville State's defense held firm and secured the conference road victory.
Final Stats
West Liberty
The Hilltoppers scored twice on their only two shots on goal, both coming from Kylie Collins in the first half. Hoover recorded five saves in the match. West Liberty finished with four total shots and five corner kicks.
Glenville State
The Pioneers outshot West Liberty 13-4 and held an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal. Quiroz led the attack with two goals, while Solano added the winning second-half score. Glenville State generated nine shots after halftime and did not allow a single West Liberty shot in the second half, helping secure the 3-2 conference victory.
Up Next For The Pioneers
Glenville State returns home Sunday (Oct. 4) when it hosts Fairmont State in Mountain East Conference action. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
