By Cecelia Chase / The Jambar
The Youngstown State University women’s soccer team returns home for Horizon League play with a 1-7 overall record after a tough matchup against Duquesne University on Sept. 11.
The Penguins struggled in Pittsburgh with a 4-nil loss to the Dukes. Duquesne senior Reese Kershner scored first before the end of the half. Senior Maya Matesa led the Dukes to victory scoring twice in the second half. The Dukes added one final goal to finish with a victory.
Duquesne dominated offensively and took control of the game, with 30 shots compared to only six attempts by Youngstown State. Despite the heavy attack by the Dukes, redshirt sophomore Maya Naimoli recorded nine saves.
Over eight games, Naimoli faced 157 shots with 55 saves and allowed 21 goals. In the Horizon League, she leads in both total saves and saves per game.
Despite the team’s five-game skid, it has a few bright spots in junior Camille Bultel, who leads the squad in goals with three and points with seven. The sister duo of senior Chloe Weiland and redshirt freshman Leah Weiland contributed with a combined three assists.
Today at 6 p.m., Youngstown State kicks off conference play against the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay at Farmers National Bank Field. With the home-field advantage, the Penguins are undefeated in Youngstown.
Against Green Bay, Youngstown State is looking for its first win against the team since Oct. 21, 2023.
The Penguins continue their two-game home stand against the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee at 12 p.m. Sept. 21.
