CULLOWHEE, N.C.—The Wofford women's soccer team's (3-8-4, 0-4-2) defense served to be the strongest yet, despite a late second half goal, in their 1-0 defeat against Western Carolina (8-4-3, 4-1-1) on Friday evening at the Catamount Athletic Complex. Tonight's match was Senior Night for the Catamounts' seniors and marked the 50^th career start for Wofford junior captain Bailey Mullen.

The Terriers' defense served as the backbone of the match, holding off most opportunities the Catamounts had throughout the entire match.

Goalkeeper Elizabeth Navola and the Terriers' defense were tested early on by Western Carolina with a shot attempt in the sixth minute, but it was quickly blocked away by the tight back line. Wofford's defense saw back-to-back shot attempts by the Catamounts' offense, but held firm.

Despite the Terriers playing more defense in the first half, the offense had its shining moments with shot attempts by Julia Grier, Ines Obradovac and Kaliegh Gonzales.

Wofford ended the half with three shots compared to Western Carolina's seven. The Terriers and Catamounts saw two corner kicks each. Both goalkeepers faced zero shots on goal.

Coming back from the halftime break, the Catamounts dominated possession and had multiple early chances to break the draw. Despite facing six shots in the first ten minutes of the second half, Navola held her position strongly, deflecting any opportunities the Catamounts took.

Wofford's defense held strong until the Catamounts found a break in the back line in the 62^nd minute to strike in the lower center of the net to give themselves a 1-0 lead.

The Terriers kept fighting for chances to bring the score back to a tie, but the Catamounts midfield was quick to break Wofford's possession.

In the end, Wofford finished with five shots, two on goal, compared to Western Carolina's 21, four on goal. The Terriers did not have a corner kick in the second half, while the Catamounts ended with seven, five of which were in the second half.

Notes:
Bailey Mullen recorded her 50^th career start in tonight's match. Mullen is the only Terrier so far this season to hit this milestone. This was also her 27^th consecutive start, dating back to September 14, 2024.

This is the first time since 2019 that the Terriers have allowed just one goal against Western Carolina.

The Terriers remain on the road as they travel to VMI next Thursday, October 16. The match will kick off at 6 p.m., streaming on ESPN +.