LAWRENCE, Kan. – Forward Kate Schwindel’s first half goal and a strong outing from goalkeeper Sara Keane  pushed No. 16 West Virginia past host Kansas, 1-0, Friday evening at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.

 

Despite playing into a strong wind during the opening half, Schwindel scored the game-winner in the 43^rd minute on a blast inside the left post. Freshman Amanda Hill came away with a 50-50 ball just beyond the center circle, sending a pass up field to senior Bri Rodriguez. Rodriguez slotted a ball to a Schwindel at the top of the box who drove a ball past a diving Kaitlyn Stroud to her right.

 

Schwindel’s goal was her eighth of the season, tying Frances Silva for the team lead, while Rodriguez and Hill each notched their first assists of the season.

 

With temperatures in the low 50s and wind gusts up to 20 mph, Keane faced several early shots from the Jayhawks, including two that hit the crossbar in the 24^th and 25^th minutes from midfielder Amy Grow.

 

In the 80^th minute, Keane came up with a brilliant diving stop to preserve the shutout – her sixth of the season.  KU’s Caroline Kastor ripped a shot at the right side of the goal when Keane made a full extension save, pushing the ball wide of the right post.

 

The Mountaineer back line, with help from its midfield, held on down the stretch to give West Virginia its sixth-consecutive victory.  WVU moves to 8-3-3 overall, 4-0-0 in Big 12 play.

 

KU was held scoreless for only the third time this season.