Lady 'Cat booters drop close 3

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Wesleyan women's soccer team traveled to the University of Charleston, Wednesday, and after a tight first half, lost to the Golden Eagles 3-2.

Wesleyan defender Tessa Grisez took an assist from Ava Badallo and scored the opening goal just three minutes into the match.

Charleston was quick to respond when Lina Jaime (assist to Frankie Morrow) tied it up at 10:36.

The game remained knotted at 1-1 until the half as defenses on both sides held strong.

Then at 58:03 a Wesleyan foul called just outside the Bobcat 18-yard box gave Jaime the set play and she belted a shot that caromed off the hands of Wesleyan keeper Paula Garcia (7 saves) to put the Golden Eagles up 2-1. On the sidelines, Wesleyan coach Adam Christensen became vocal about the foul call and was shown a red card ejection.

Charleston's Juliette Lucas (assist to Jaime, Ciara Casamento) put the Golden Eagles up by two at 85:55 and Wesleyan snuck in a late goal by Paloma Zamora with minute left in regulation.

Wesleyan is on the road again Sunday, Sept. 22 as the team heads south to West Virginia State University for a 1 p.m. kickoff.