FROSTBURG, Md. – First half goals from sophomores Mollie Rebuck and Cassidy Paige earned the Frostburg State Women's Soccer team a massive 2-1 in-region victory over Slippery Rock on Wednesday evening.
 
Facing off against one another for the first time at the Division II level, each side got out to a quick start, with The Rock forcing junior Mia Graff into an early save, followed by Rebuck putting an effort just wide within the first 11 minutes. Slippery Rock again tested Graff from distance but the shot was right at her, followed up by an effort high and another wide.
 
Somewhat against the run of play, FSU struck first, as junior Chelsea Pettyjohn played Rebuck into the box, where she shrugged off a defender and fired her shot into the bottom left corner for a 1-0 lead. Just under a minute later, the Bobcat lead suddenly doubled, as a misplaced SRU pass was pounced upon by Paige, who found herself wide open for a left-footed finish and a stunning 2-0 advantage.
 
The next six minutes seemed to have Frostburg in control, until a Slippery Rock corner kick gave three chances to Abby Paterline, with one effort blocked, another saved by Graff, and the third finally finding the back of the net to pull back within 2-1. Seven minutes later, after some good hold-up play by sophomore Elena Fernandez, Paige was given another shot at goal, but couldn't generate the power needed to trouble Leah Allman.
 
The Rock had the majority of chances over the final 10 minutes of the half, none better than with just 40 seconds left, as a cross from the right side found Eden Williams in front of an open goal, but she fired her effort over as FSU held onto their 2-1 lead.
 
Looking to protect their lead, Frostburg was defensively sound for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Rebuck and senior Mary Greco both shot wide of the mark, then after some high pressing by senior Morgan Mrizek, she was able to test Allman at her near post to win a corner.
 
It took over 27 minutes for The Rock to put a shot at Graff, as she was able to easily gather the effort. FSU was able to guard their lead and not give away too many chances, however once again the best one fell to Williams, but it would be déjà vu with another shot going over the bar and out for a goal kick.
 
Junior Madison Hinton and sophomore Rayiah Davis each had off-target efforts as the clock ticked down, while Rebuck tried to get a header past Allman that wasn't powerful enough to beat her. With one last throw of the dice, Sydney Smith drove a ball towards goal that took a deflection into Graff's path, as she gathered and put the game to rest.
 
In the closely-contested battle, the Bobcats held a narrow 11-10 edge in shots, with both teams putting five on goal. Graff finished with just the one goal allowed and four saves to pick up the win.
 
With the win, FSU improves to 1-1 on the year, while Slippery Rock falls to 0-2. Frostburg returns to Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, September 13 to face Salem (WV) at 5:30 PM. Information and updates will be posted to frostburgsports.com.