Rex Twum scored the game’s only goal in the 20th minute and Renan Thomazo made some key saves in the second half as Delaware toppled No. 23 West Virginia, 1-0, in men’s soccer on Monday evening.
It was the Blue Hens’ eighth win over a ranked opponent and the first since a 2-1 victory at No. 20 Maryland in 2015.
The Hens (1-1) carried play for a majority of the first half, taking six of the nine shots in the period, before denting the scoreboard 19:24 into the contest.
Ryan Mertz collected a loose ball in the box before sending a short pass to Twum, who fired a shot from 10 yards out into the top left corner of the goal.
The Mountaineers (1-1) did not have a shot on goal through the first 68 minutes, but were awarded a penalty kick in the 69th minute. WVU’s Pascal Derwaritsch fired a rocket toward the left side of the cage, but Thomazo stretched out to make a diving save and keep Delaware in front.
Thomazo stopped four more shots the rest of the way, including getting a piece of an attempt by Tony Pineda in the 80th minute, to preserve the shutout.
“This is one of my proudest moments in the 14 years I’ve been here, against a very good, nationally-ranked West Virginia team,” said UD coach Ian Hennessy. “I’m thrilled for the players.”
College volleyball
DSU’s Valentin honored: Delaware State outside hitter Anadys Valentin was named the Rookie of the Week by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Valentin tallied 57 kills and just 15 errors in 148 attempts (.284 hitting pct.), to go along with 44 digs in four matches at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Montgomery, Ala. She was also credited with seven blocks and six service aces.
College field hockey
Hens’ Strien wins award: Delaware junior Femke Strien was named the first Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week this season.
Strien helped lead the Blue Hens to a 2-0 start with two goals against Miami, Ohio on Monday afternoon. A two-time CAA Rookie of the Week in 2017, she now has three career game-winning goals.
Little League
Dover holding elections: The Board of Directors of Dover Little League will hold their annual elections on Thursday at 7 p.m. inside the league board room. For additional information, visit doverll.com, go to Facebook page at DVRLL or call 302-535-2067.
Reach the Delaware State News newsroom at newsroom@newszap.com
