Institute, WV – The Golden Eagles faced a tall task in the MEC semifinal, traveling to take on top-seeded West Virginia State. Despite long stretches of pressure from the Yellow Jackets, Charleston made the most of a second-half opportunity and emerged with a gritty 1–0 victory

The Basics

• Location: Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium
• Final Score: UC 1, WVSU 0
• Records: Charleston (10-7-3, 7-5-3 MEC), West Virginia State (15-4-1, 13-1-1 MEC)

How It Happened
Just a week removed from a 2–1 loss to the Yellow Jackets, Charleston returned to Institute eager to reclaim the derby. WVSU had defeated UC twice already this season, and also last year's MEC final, and the Golden Eagles were determined to flip the script.

Charleston opened with early intent as Hannah Goes powered through three defenders in the 2nd minute and forced a save from long range. From there, however, the first half tilted heavily in State's favor. The Yellow Jackets fired eight shots in the first 20 minutes alone, but Ines Degli Esposti stood firm, making five first-half saves, including a crucial stop on a long free kick just before the break. The teams went to halftime deadlocked at 0–0.

UC struck quickly after the restart. Four minutes into the second half, Allie Freese launched a long ball to Ava Bourne, who laid it off first-touch to Jamie Bland. Bland's clever touch shed her defender before she curled a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner, giving Charleston the 1–0 lead.
With 40 tense minutes ahead, the Golden Eagles were forced to weather a relentless push from the hosts. Degli Esposti delivered a standout performance, recording another string of key saves, the last coming in the 80th minute on a dangerous long-range effort. Charleston's back line held strong through the final stretch, completing a resolute defensive performance to secure the shutout victory. 

Ines Degli Esposti recorded 9 saves in the game, and the win sends UC to its third straight MEC final.

Up Next
Charleston advances to face Fairmont State University in the MEC Championship on Sunday, November 16 at 1:00 PM at Duvall-Rosier Field in Fairmont.