Box Score DURHAM, N.C. – The West Virginia University women's soccer team fell, 2-0, in its season opener at No. 4 Duke, inside Koskinen Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, on Thursday night.
 
Despite a slew of chances in the second half, the Mountaineers (0-1, 0-0 Big 12) couldn't find the back of the net after going down by a goal early in the first half. The Blue Devils (1-0, 0-0 ACC) added a second tally in the final 25 minutes of the match to secure the season-opening win.
 
West Virginia got the first quality chance of the contest with a great look from junior forward Dilary Heredia-Beltran, but her rocket of a shot went off the far post. However, minutes later Duke became the first on the board with a goal in the 11th minute. From there, each team recorded just one shot on goal, and the halftime score stood at 1-0 in favor of the Blue Devils.
 
In the second half, West Virginia appeared to have the advantage, outshooting Duke 4-2 with a pair of shots on goal. However, the Blue Devils spoiled the Mountaineers' hopes of drawing even with an insurance tally in the 69th minute to secure the win.
 
The final box score showed a close match, with Duke just outshooting West Virginia, 12-8, including 5-3 in shots on goal. The two teams were even in corner kicks, 4-4, and saves, 3-3.
 
With the win, Duke levels the all-time series, 3-3-1, and also ties the series in games played in Durham at 1-1-1. Five Mountaineers made their career debuts in gold and blue on Thursday night. Freshman forward Olivia Shertzer led the way earning her first career start, while four others – senior Jaydah Bedoya, junior Emma Dotson and freshmen Gabby Lamparty and Jordyn Wilson – saw the field for the first time for West Virginia.
 
The Mountaineers now return to Morgantown to open the 2023 home slate, as they play host to Saint Francis (Pa.) on Sunday, Aug. 20. Kickoff at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET. It's West Virginia's Camper Reunion Day, while the team also will be hosting a Back-to-School Drive.
 
For more information on the Mountaineers, follow @WVUWomensSoccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.