FROSTBURG, Md. – Freshman Cassidy Paige sent the Frostburg State Women's Soccer team into the MEC Tournament Semifinals with a late goal in their 1-0 victory over West Virginia Wesleyan.
 
FSU began the game with senior Mackenzie Alonso and junior Morgan Mrizek each firing wide of goal in the first 10. Over the next 20 minutes, Frostburg only managed two efforts, both from senior Carolyn DeSena, the first a a drive over the bar from the edge of the area and the second a floated ball that clanged off the crossbar and out. Alonso had another shot go wide before senior Cat Smith planted a header just outside following a corner.
 
It took until the 33^rd minute for WVWC to register a shot on target, one that was hit well from distance but straight at senior Katie Sterne. As the half wore down, Smith and junior Carly Gillette each sent efforts over the bar, while inside the final minute Wesleyan did the same, ending the frame at a 0-0 tie.
 
After seven quiet minutes to start the second half, Smith had a shot blocked before senior Madi Allen drew a save from keeper Paige Miller. Five minutes later, Smith had another goal-bound effort from a corner stopped by a combination of Miller and a defender on the line. Another 15 went by before FSU finally found a breakthrough, with Mrizek latching onto a through ball and crossing into the middle for Paige to finish home for the 1-0 lead.
 
The Frostburg defense was able to keep WVWC at bay for the final few minutes, as Gillette tried to get an insurance goal with back-to-back efforts that went high and wide. Freshman Ellie Fiedler had the last effort of the game, a hit from distance right into the chest of Miller, as FSU came away with the one-goal win.
 
Frostburg out-shot Wesleyan 15-3, though only held a 4-1 advantage in efforts on goal.
 
With the win, FSU improves to 15-2-2, while WVWC ends their season at 6-10-3. Frostburg now advances to the Semifinals on Wednesday, November 13 where they will host West Virginia State at 7 p.m. Information and updates will be posted to frostburgsports.com.