It’s a Gold Rush night as WVU women’s soccer takes on Duquesne! Will the Mountaineers dominate the Dukes, or will Duquesne’s undefeated run continue? Plus, get the scoop on WVU’s massive transfer portal haul and all the latest news from across Mountaineer athletics. Don’t miss this thrilling West Virginia sports update!
West Virginia University’s women’s soccer team is set for a pivotal Gold Rush clash at home against Duquesne tonight, headlining a comprehensive daily West Virginia sports roundup that also features significant developments across the athletic department. This critical home fixture comes as the Mountaineers aim to rebound, with their season still in its early stages.
The Mountaineers, under Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown, bring an 11-0-2 all-time record against Duquesne into the 14th meeting between the programs. Despite a recent 1-2 start to their season, including a loss to Penn State, WVU showcased strong offensive capabilities, outshooting the Nittany Lions 14-6. Senior forward Taylor White continues to lead the attack with two goals, supported by fellow senior Ajanae Respass and junior Abbey Olexa, as the team looks to reignite their potent scoring record at Dick Dlesk.
Conversely, the Duquesne Dukes arrive with an impressive 3-0 undefeated start to their season, guided by new coach Jessica Giegucz. Their formidable offense has netted 12 goals while conceding only two, demonstrating their early dominance. Sophomore Maya Matesa has been a standout, already notching seven goals, and the Dukes’ aggressive style is evident in their average of 26 shots per game, posing a significant test for the WVU defense and keeper.
Beyond the soccer pitch, the NCAA Transfer Portal has dramatically reshaped the West Virginia Mountaineers football landscape. The program leads the nation in transfer additions, bringing in a staggering 51 players who collectively boast 462 career starts and nearly 33,000 snaps. This ambitious roster overhaul signifies one of the most significant shifts in the portal era, with the team eager to see if this infusion of experience translates into success in the Big 12 conference.
The broader WVU Sports scene is also buzzing with activity. The women’s volleyball team, now with a healthier and deeper roster thanks to returning veterans like Alexis Finnvold and Cassidy Tanton, alongside key portal and freshman additions, is set to open its season in the Quest for the Crown Tournament. Additionally, the latest episode of the “3 Guys Before The Game” podcast offers an in-depth preview of the football team’s season opener against Robert Morris and a look at the wide-open Big 12 title race.
In NFL news, several former West Virginia Mountaineers are making their mark or finding new homes. Victor Scott, a Cardinals’ top prospect, is having an exceptional minor league season, while Garrett Greene, after a strong preseason with the Bucs, landed on their practice squad. Will Grier was re-signed by the Cowboys to their practice squad, and Darius Stills joined the Steelers’ practice squad. Kyzir White is also drawing interest from the Colts, highlighting the continued presence of WVU talent in professional ranks.
The wider College Football News landscape is seeing significant shifts. Kansas State’s running back is sidelined with an ankle injury, impacting their upcoming matchup. Discussions around NIL compensation continue, with figures like Deion Sanders and Nick Saban advocating for players to be paid more based on team success. Furthermore, Marshall faces a formidable challenge against No. 5 Georgia, and college football fans are anticipating Lee Corso’s final appearance on College GameDay, marking the end of an iconic era.
