Oxford, Ohio – Western Carolina women's soccer wrapped up its nonconference schedule, falling 3-0 to the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Friday night.
The Catamounts were outshot 17-14 through 90 minutes, with the RedHawks posting eight shots on goal to WCU's four.
Miami opened the night early with Maris Jennings heading in a Millie Cook cross for the first score in the sixth minute. Cook pushed down the left wing, firing a tight-angle cross to the far post before Jennings skied for the header. Amara Yetka anchored down following the initial score, picking up two saves in the remainder of the first half.
WCU (2-5-1) mustered an on-target attack in the opening 45 minutes of play, courtesy of Samantha Whitaker in the 44th minute. The RedHawks outshot the Catamounts 8-6 in the first half, putting three shots on frame to WCU's one. Erika Gariepy posted back-to-back shots for the Catamounts in the 11th and 13th minutes, but both attempts were blocked in the field.
The Catamounts attempted a rally in the second half, applying pressure and maintaining possession throughout the first 15 minutes of the frame. WCU's best scoring opportunity came in the 64th minute, as Erika Gariepy fired a corner kick into the box. Malia Roberts battled for a contested deflection before Mackenzie Megill fired a shot on a seemingly open net. However, Miami's Dominique Popa flashed quick hands for the critical save to preserve the 1-0 lead.
The RedHawks (4-4) added an insurance goal in the 65th minute, with Kayla Perfect winning a one-on-one opportunity against Yetka. Miami then secured the match with a third goal in the 69th minute, as Devin McElroy recorded her first career goal. Elizabeth Rupert entered in relief of Yetka in the 73rd minute, picking up two saves to keep the score at 3-0.
Catamount Notables:
Up Next for The Catamounts:
Western Carolina is back in action on the road on Sept. 17, as the Catamounts take on UNCG to open Southern Conference play. WCU then returns home to host the Samford Bulldogs on Sept. 20 for Youth Soccer Day.
