BECKLEY, W. Va. — Nikolas Kellner delivered a rapid response for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, but WVU Tech struck twice early in the second half to earn a 3-1 River States Conference victory Saturday at Paul Cline Stadium.
The Golden Bears opened the scoring just 3:10 into the match when Joost Hermeling converted a chance created by Gonzalo Sabeh and Gonzalo Colman.
SMWC (4-7-2, 1-2 RSC) needed only eight seconds to answer.
Ethan Johnson earned a corner kick for the Pomeroys, and Kellner capitalized on the ensuing pressure by finding the net for an unassisted equalizer at the 3:18 mark.
The Pomeroys continued to create opportunities during an evenly played opening half.
Jacob Quintana sent an early attempt over the crossbar, while Johnson pushed a shot wide later in the period.
Harry Jackson made a save against Sabeh to help send the teams into halftime tied at 1.
WVU Tech (6-2-3, 3-1) broke the deadlock shortly after halftime. Hermeling scored his second goal of the match in the 48th minute before Inaki Sacramento added another moments later to extend the Golden Bears' advantage to 3-1.
Marc Valderrama placed SMWC's second shot on goal shortly afterward, forcing WVU Tech goalkeeper Ramon Ferrari to make a save. Jackson and the Pomeroys' defense kept the Golden Bears off the scoreboard over the final 42 minutes, including two late stops as WVU Tech attempted to add to its lead.
Kellner led SMWC with its lone goal and placed his only attempt on frame. Valderrama also recorded a shot on goal, while Quintana and Johnson accounted for the Pomeroys' other two attempts. Jackson finished with two saves, and SMWC was credited with an additional team save.
WVU Tech held a narrow 6-4 advantage in shots and a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
The Pomeroys will continue RSC play Thursday, Oct. 15, when they travel to Owensboro, Kentucky, to face Brescia University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
