MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Maya Leoni tallied a goal and an assist as the No. 16 WVU women’s soccer team kept pace atop the Big 12 Conference standings with a 2-1 win over Utah on Senior Day.
Leoni’s goal, her first of the year, in the 51st minute proved to be the game-winner. She scored off assists from Anna Hauer and Jacey Rase to give West Virginia a 2-0 lead.
“Maya is very capable of that performance,” said WVU head coach Nikki Izzo-Brown. “I am so happy for her being a senior.”
Leoni capped the goal with a somersault celebration.
“She’s always got it in her. It is pretty awesome. She has done that a few times for us. Best celebration out there.”
Utah pulled a goal back in the 64th minute when Shannon Davidson tallied her fourth goal of the season. West Virginia was able to see the game out over the final 26 minutes, thanks to a 4-save effort from Bailey Herfurth.
“I hated conceding that goal but it is a big win for our seniors. It is a special group. I am really excited that we beat a good team like Utah.”
Abbey Olexa opened the scoring for the Mountaineers in the ninth minute, following assists from Leoni and Olivia Shertzer.
West Virginia held a 10-8 lead in shots and a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks.
WVU (9-1-2) entered the day in a tie for second place in the Big 12 Conference standings at the midway point of the regular season. Now at 4-1-1 in league play, the Mountaineers remain three points behind Texas Tech at the top of the table. West Virginia concludes a three-match homestand Friday afternoon against UCF.
“We’ve got to win at home. It has got to be our fortress. We’ve got a big one coming with UCF on Friday so we need everybody out loud of proud.”