WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Freshman Antonio Bittencourt scored his first goal of the season in the 33rd minute and that was enough to give Notre Dame College the 1-0 win over West Liberty University, on Friday.

NDC took seven shots in the first half and had multiple chances at goal. Sophomore Malvin Gblah set up for a free kick on the right side of the box in the 23rd minute. His shot sliced toward the goal, but WLU goalkeeper, Noah Underwood, stopped the ball.

Ten minutes later, Bittencourt had a free kick, just outside of the box. The look at goal was straight on and Bittencourt was able to launch the shot over the jumping Underwood and into the back of the goal.

West Liberty took seven shots in the second half. In the 71st minute, Notre Dame's goalkeeper Arvid Engstrom had to save two shots, but kept the Hilltoppers off the scoreboard.

In the 83rd minute, following an NDC corner, the ball bounced around in front of the goal. Freshman Filip Sparevec was able to unload a shot in a tight space, but it was saved.

West Liberty's last chance to tie the game came in the final seconds. Josh Yeaman's shot was on line, but Engstrom jumped on top of the ball to secure the win.

"The group is really pleased with this win," said head coach Carl Nolan. "It's our first three-point win since October 2019. We are very young, and have lots to improve on, but they deserved this. It was a physical contest and we had to really earn the right to play. We are now looking forward to getting back into training and getting better as a group."

Notre Dame will visit West Virginia Wesleyan College on March 21. The game is scheduled to kick-off at 2 p.m.