Thomas’ goal sends No. 24 women’s soccer to MEC championship match
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The 24th-ranked Fairmont State women’s soccer team (16-1-3, 12-1-3) defeated Davis & Elkins (3-10-7, 2-9-5) 1-0 on Wednesday at Duvall-Rosier Field in the Mountain East Conference Women’s Soccer Championship Semifinal. The Falcons finished with an 11-6 advantage in shots, including a 4-2 edge in shots on goal.
The Falcons struck first in the opening minutes, as Serenity Thomas scored at 2:35 to put the home side ahead 1-0. The Senators generated early pressure with corner kicks at 3:36 and 11:27 and a shot by Vivian Kerr, but the Falcons answered with a sustained stretch from 13:51 to 24:13 that included attempts from Sam Yuen, Valentina Gianinetto, Thomas and Dayra Dinarte, plus two corner kicks.
After the Senators tested Olivia Johnston on Wren Garbes’ shot in the 32nd minute, the Falcons came back with another extended push, including a saved Gianinetto shot and three Braylyn Sparks attempts before halftime. The Falcons held the Senators off the board and carried the 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Falcons protected a 1-0 advantage through a scoreless second half, with Johnston making an early save on Ava Sherman to answer the Senators’ first shot of the half. The half turned physical soon after, with five fouls between 48:10 and 58:07, and the Falcons were twice called offside before Arrington Sparks sent a shot left in the 62nd minute.
The Falcons earned corner kicks in the 70th and 76th minutes during another stretch that included two Senators yellow cards, then Dinarte put a shot on frame that Riann Stevens saved in the 82nd minute. The Senators added a late corner and a shot wide in the final minutes, but the Falcons did not concede and finished off the 1-0 win.
Thomas scored the Falcons’ goal, put both of her shots on frame and was credited with the game-winner. Johnston played all 90 minutes in goal, made two saves and recorded a shutout.
Fairmont State hits the road to face Frostburg State University in the MEC Championship match on Sunday, November 8. First kick from Frostburg, Maryland is set for 1:00 p.m.
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