WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - The West Liberty University women's basketball team returned to the court for the first time in 13 days this afternoon and dropped a battle against the #2 ranked Ashland Eagles, 97-68.

The Eagles scored first and never trailed. The Hilltoppers showed fight throughout and were able to cut it to a 10-point game in the fourth quarter, but no closer.

Ashland surged ahead double-digits in the first quarter, taking a 25-15 lead after the opening 10 minutes. A back-and-forth second quarter sent the game to the break with the Eagles ahead 44-33.

Consecutive three pointers by Grace Faulk and Natalija Sekulovska started the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 10. An 18-3 run by the Eagles ensued over the next four minutes to seal the deal for the Purple and Gold.

Arriana Manzay led four Hilltoppers in double figures, with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Faulk drained five triples for 15 points, Karly McCutcheon netted 12 points and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds, while Sekulovska added 10 points.

Ashland used its size to its advantage posting a 68-32 scoring edge in the paint and a +13-rebounding margin. 

The Hilltoppers made nine three pointers in the game, including six in the second half. They assisted on 18 of their 26 made field goals, McCutcheon and Anna Lucarelli tied for a game-high five each.

West Liberty returns to conference play on Wednesday at Concord. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm in Athens, W.Va.

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

Postgame Interview with Coach Cooper