Misenheimer, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan women's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1-0 road victory over Pfeiffer University on Saturday afternoon at Lefko-Mills Field, using a second-half goal from Peyton Staub and a strong defensive effort to secure the shutout.
Pfeiffer created several early opportunities, but goalkeeper Grace Walls was sharp from the opening minutes. Walls made multiple first-half saves, including stopping a penalty kick in the 22nd minute to keep the match scoreless. The Bishops' defense held firm through the remainder of the half, sending the teams into halftime tied 0-0.
NC Wesleyan began to build momentum after the break, earning a pair of corner kicks in the 63rd and 66th minutes. The pressure paid off at the 65:28 mark when Staub found the back of the net off an assist from Mckayla Farrow, giving the Bishops a 1-0 advantage.
The Bishops continued to battle defensively over the final 25 minutes as Pfeiffer searched for an equalizer. Walls and the NC Wesleyan back line preserved the lead through the closing minutes, while Samantha Fore added a late shot on goal in the 84th minute.
Walls finished the match with nine saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal, helping NC Wesleyan record the shutout. Staub scored the game-winning goal, while Farrow picked up the assist. Fore also placed a shot on goal for the Bishops.
NC Wesleyan made the most of its opportunities, scoring on one of its three total shots while holding Pfeiffer scoreless despite 13 attempts. The victory also gave the Bishops their first USA South win of the season.
