Cullowhee, N.C. – On a night that started with Western Carolina recognizing its 2025 senior class, it was that cast of characters that provided the needed lift and timely saves that propelled the Catamounts to the home Southern Conference victory.
Seniors Isabella DeMarco and Milla Syska combined for the game-winning goal on senior night, breaking through the stout Wofford defense in the second half, while senior keeper Leanne Trudel added to her school-record career shutout tally with a couple of highlight reel saves to preserve the 1-0 victory over the Terriers at the Catamount Athletic Complex.
A sleepy first half unfolded as the two teams combined for only 10 total shots in the opening 45 minutes, with neither squad managing a true scoring threat. The Terriers opted to start a lineup consisting of five defenders that limited WCU's offensive opportunities. The Catamounts dominated possession, taking the first five shots of the match before Wofford fired their first.
The Terriers finished the half with a pair of back-to-back shots, though neither one found its way on frame in the scoreless period.
WCU hammered the Wofford backline to open the second half, firing nine shots in the opening 15 minutes of the period, with Isabella DeMarco and Lucie Bertrand putting the squad's first shots on net of the match. DeMarco later broke the Terrier defensive front in the 63rd minute, giving a quick touch on a Milla Syska dish before blasting a shot from the far side of the box over the outstretched paw of Wofford goalkeeper Elizabeth Navola.
Down a goal, the Terriers responded only a minute later, with Annie Andrews firing a shot on frame that Trudel deflected for her first save of the night. The Catamounts settled in defensively following Wofford's attack, firing only three more shots for the remainder of the night.
Wofford's best scoring opportunity came inside the final 10 minutes of the match. Kaliegh Gonzales looked to curl a shot just inside the post, but Trudel dove to deny the score before falling on top of the ball for her second save on what proved to be Wofford's final shot of the night.
Despite the tight Terrier defense, the Catamounts dominated Wofford statistically, firing 21 shots to visitors' five, but only placing four on frame to Wofford's two. WCU also led in corner kicks with seven set-piece attacks to a pair by Wofford.
Catamount Notables:
- The Catamounts are now on a 15-match win streak against the Terriers and have shut out Wofford in four of their last six matches … Friday's 1-0 decision was the closest in the series since a 2-1 Catamount overtime win back in 2021 … Four of the last six Catamount series wins over the Terriers have been shutouts.
- WCU is on a three-match winning streak, picking shutout victories in all three matches.
- Isabella DeMarco notched her second consecutive game-winning goal. She has scored at least one goal in her last three matches.
- Milla Syska leads the Catamounts with six assists, connecting with Isabella DeMarco on four of her eight goals this season.
- Leanne Trudel picked up two saves for her 30th career shutout. She has 64 saves on the season, setting a new career high.
Up Next for The Catamounts:
The Catamounts hit the road for the final time in the regular season as they take on the ETSU Buccaneers in a midweek matchup with heavy SoCon postseason implications. The showdown between the Blue Ridge Border rivals is slated for a 6 p.m. kick on Thursday, Oct. 16. WCU will then be back at home for two straight matches to close out the regular season, hosting the UNCG Spartans on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. before battling the Chattanooga Mocs on Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.
