West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University women's basketball team came up just short in a tightly contested game against Concord University, falling 68-65 Wednesday night at the ASRC.

Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm in the opening quarter, with the score knotted at 10-10 after 10 minutes. The visiting Mountain Lions seized momentum early in the second quarter with an 8-2 run, building an 18-12 lead midway through the period. The Hilltoppers shot just 25 percent from the field in the first half and entered the locker room trailing 29-24.

West Liberty regrouped in the third quarter, focusing on attacking the basket. The shift in strategy paid off, as the Hilltoppers shot an impressive 50 percent from the floor and limited themselves to just two three-point attempts in the frame. The effort trimmed Concord's lead to one point, 48-47, heading into the final quarter.

Bailee Smith's three-pointer to open the fourth gave West Liberty its first lead since early in the first quarter at 10-8. The Hilltoppers pushed ahead 57-54 with 4:14 remaining, but Concord responded with a decisive 10-0 run over the next 1:40, reclaiming control at 64-57.

Despite a late push by West Liberty, highlighted by a pair of free throws from Smith with 46 seconds left to close the gap to 67-65, the Hilltoppers were unable to complete the comeback.

Smith paced West Liberty with 17 points, while Jenna Riccardo delivered a standout performance with a double-double, tallying 16 points and 13 rebounds. Anna Lucarelli also chipped in with 11 points.

The Hilltoppers, now 5-10 overall and 3-5 in the Mountain East Conference (MEC), will look to bounce back on Saturday when they travel to Glenville State for a 2 p.m. tip-off.

Game Summary:

• Concord (8-7, 5-3 MEC): 68

• West Liberty (5-10, 3-5 MEC): 65

• Location: ASRC

• Attendance: 342