West Liberty University Athletics

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Liberty University women's basketball team opened its 2022-23 season at the MEC/PSAC Challenge this afternoon. The Hilltoppers battled California (Pa.) to overtime, but came up just short in the extra time falling 70-67.

No team led by more than four points in the first quarter, as they were all square at 17 after ten minutes of play. Cal jumped up six midway through the second, Sonia Sarda answered with a pair of free throws and a jumper to trim the Hilltopper deficit back down to two points. West Liberty got within one late in the second quarter, but the Vulcans were able to maintain the lead and took a 39-36 advantage into the break.

Anna Lucarelli drained a three-pointer out of the break tying the game at 39. Cal responded with a bucket on the next possession and kept the lead for the remainder of the third frame heading to the final 10 minutes of regulation ahead by three, 58-55. 

Each side could not find the bottom of the net for the first two minutes of the fourth quarter, that is until Corinne Thomas connected from long range. The Hilltopper defense continued to hold Cal off the scoreboard, while Sarda put West Liberty back in front, for the first time since the 7:25 mark in the second quarter, with just under seven minutes left in regulation.

The Vulcans went 1-of-2 at the free throw line to tie the game for the ninth time with one minute to play. The Hilltoppers were not able to get a shot off in the final minute, while defending three Vulcan attempts successfully sending the season opener to overtime.

No field goals were made in the extra period, as all seven points came at the free throw line. Thomas converted both attempts at the line for WLU at the three minute mark, but that would be all the 'Topper offense could muster as Cal netted five free throws over the five minutes for the win. Trailing by three, West Liberty had three attempts from beyond the arc bounce out in the final minute.

Karly McCutcheon led the way for West Liberty going 6-of-8 from the field including 4-for-5 from deep for 16 points. Grace Faulk and Arriana Manzay added 10 points each, Manzay also pulled down eight rebounds to pace the Black and Gold on the glass.

The Hilltoppers surrendered 32 turnovers, which got converted into 26 Vulcan points.

West Liberty will be back in action tomorrow at 12 noon as they take on Mercyhurst University in the final game of the MEC/PSAC Challenge.

Follow Hilltopper basketball all season online at HilltopperSports.com and on Twitter (@WLU_Hoops | @WLathletics), Instagram (@wlu_wbb | @wlu_athletics), and Facebook.