SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Junior forward Lydia Gable (Felton, Pa./Kennard Dale) fired a shot into the back of net on a pass from junior midfielder Josie Beezel (Woodsboro, Md./Linganore) at the 37:03 mark to lift Shepherd (17-1-4)  to a 2-1  win over West Virginia State (16-4-3) in second round action of the NCAA II Women's Soccer Atlantic Regionals at Shepherd on Sunday afternoon.

Shepherd took a 1-0 lead on an unassisted goal by senior midfielder Sarah Peternel (Wolfeboro, NH/Virtual Learning Academy Charter School/University of New Hampshire) at the 20:39 mark.

The Rams took a 2-0 lead into halftime on Gable's tally.

West Virginia State got on the scoreboard at the 67:45 mark when Leila Karam scored on a pass from Sarah Linares.

"We had a fantastic team performance and had great execution of the game plan," said Shepherd head coach Sam Odell. "We came up against a very talented opposition full of superb individuals who also tried to play a possession-based style of soccer. To score the first and second goals in the manner that we did was extremely pleasing. From then on we controlled the game well and weathered storms when we had to."

"I think that we have another gear or two that we can get to, but we are happy to be advancing to the Sweet 16 and to continue to make history this season. It's another step toward our goal of winning the national championship, so the team can be very proud of this one!"

Sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Wilt (Saint Leonard, Md./Calvert) recorded three saves for the Rams. Laura Galindo recorded three saves for West Virginia State.

West Virginia State had a 17-8 advantage in shots while Shepherd held a 5-4 edge in shots on goal. The Rams had a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Shepherd advances and will host Gannon at 1 p.m. in third round action on Dec. 1. Additional information will be provided when it becomes available.