Buena Vista, VA. — The North Carolina Wesleyan women's soccer team battled Southern Virginia University on Tuesday evening, with goalkeeper Grace Walls turning in a standout performance in a 2-0 setback at Knight Stadium.
Southern Virginia opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Halle Willardson found the back of the net off an assist from Xoie Warner. NC Wesleyan responded with an opportunity of its own in the 15th minute when Peyton Staub recorded the Bishops' first shot, which was followed by a corner kick moments later.
Walls helped keep the Bishops within striking distance throughout the opening half, making four saves as NC Wesleyan entered halftime trailing by just one goal. Her efforts continued after the break as she turned away several Southern Virginia opportunities in the opening minutes of the second half.
Southern Virginia added its second goal at the 55:56 mark when McKenna Currey scored off an assist from Rachel Winterton. NC Wesleyan continued to battle, with Kylee Casola generating an opportunity in the 64th minute as the Bishops looked to cut into the deficit.
The Bishops continued pushing through the final minutes. Makena Meyer put a shot on goal with just over 20 seconds remaining, forcing a save from Southern Virginia goalkeeper Chloë Miller before NC Wesleyan earned a corner kick in the closing seconds.
Walls finished the night with 11 saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal, giving the Bishops a strong presence between the posts throughout the match. Meyer recorded NC Wesleyan's lone shot on goal, while Staub and Casola also added attempts for the Bishops.
