WPIAL standouts Abraham, Clayton score in Pitt-WVU women’s draw

from WVU Athletics media report

West Virginia University women’s soccer team settled for a 1-1 draw against Pitt this evening at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown.

The Mountaineers took an early lead less than 30 seconds into the match, as junior forward Hannah Abraham connected on a cross from freshman forward Lizzie Mayfield. The Albert Gallatin graduate, Abraham swiftly provided a clinical finish near post from 12-yards out.

The Panthers knotted the score at 1-1 in the 31st minute on a goal by Madison Clayton, a former Waynesburg Central standout who enrolled early at Pitt this spring. 

“We were able to play everyone tonight, which allowed us to really evaluate our progression so far this spring,” Mountaineer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. “I saw some really good things tonight, but I also saw some areas which need improvement.”

WVU finished with a 16-2 shot advantage and earned nine first-half looks. The Mountaineers forced Pitt into four first-half saves and also finished with a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Pitt’s new coach Randy Waldrum was very glad to see his players go toe-to-toe with one of the top programs in the country.

Good 1-1 result against a very good W. Virginia team! Still lots to improve upon, but happy with overall progress this spring. #OntoNavy #SundaySpringFinale

— Randy Waldrum (@CoachWaldrum) April 14, 2018

A pair of freshmen saw time in net for WVU tonight. Kayla Thompson played the full 40 minutes in the first half, facing two shots, and Ashley Triplett was unchallenged in 35 minutes of action in the second half.

The Mountaineers will make a quick turnaround for their next contest, as they travel tomorrow to Charlottesville, Virginia, for a match at Virginia on Sunday, April 15. Action is set to begin at noon at the upper grass field near Klöckner Stadium.

“Sunday will be another great task against another ACC school,” Izzo-Brown added. “It’s good for us to see high-level speed of play as we continue to chart where we need improvement.”

Pitt women’s team will wrap up its spring schedule with a match at Navy on Sunday.

 

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