PEMBROKE, N.C. - The West Liberty University football team lost 24-3 this afternoon to UNC Pembroke on the road.

Overall, the Hilltoppers outgained the Braves 305 to 223 and had 13 more first downs, but West Liberty could not take advantage of chances in Pembroke territory going 1-for-4 in the red zone resulting in the lowest scoring offensive performance of the season.

After a 48 yard punt from Matt Curry on the opening possession for West Liberty, the Hilltopper defense forced a three-and-out which included a sack back to the eight-yard line on third down by Cameron Rice and David Gilcreast. Pembroke's punt went just 21 yards and set West Liberty up at the Braves' 29 yard line.

The 'Toppers were vying for the first score of the game with a field goal the ensuing drive, but the 34-yard attempt was blocked. The Braves took the momentum from the blocked kick and quickly turned it into seven points two plays later with a 70-yard touchdown run.

Pembroke's offense got right back on the field after a three-and-out. A 26-yard punt return put the Braves at the West Liberty 12. In seven plays Pembroke broke the goal line to extend their first quarter lead to 14-0 with two minutes left.

The Hilltoppers put together a 12-play, 63-yard drive and had another field goal chance to get their first score of the game at the start of the second quarter. This time the kick got off, but was missed wide left from 29 yards out.

The Braves answered with a converted field goal on their next drive to make it 17-0. Jamie Diven entered for West Liberty's last drive of the first half and drove them 72 yards down to the one-yard line, but the Hilltoppers could not get on the board before time expired.

Diven led another long drive to start the second half, this time Justin Kaplan capped it off with a 38-yard field goal to put WLU on the board.

A 71-yard interception set up Pembroke's third touchdown of the game in the middle of the fourth quarter.

Rudy Garcia and Diven split time at quarterback for the Hilltoppers, Garcia ended the game 14-of-22 for 109 yards and an interception and Diven went 7-for-18 totaling 94 yards.

Rashawn Harvey led all recievers in the game with 118 yards on six catches, including a 37-yard catch.

Shyoun Petteway paced the defense with 10 tackles, eight of which solo and one for loss.

West Liberty will be on the road for the second straight week next Saturday at West Virginia State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 pm.

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