WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty made a strong second-half push but couldn't overcome California (Pa.)'s halftime advantage, falling 77–69 on Saturday in the final game of the Atlantic Region Crossover at the ASRC.

The Hilltoppers (1–1) used a 24-point third quarter to trim a double-digit halftime deficit to four, but the Vulcans countered with 22 points at the free-throw line and timely buckets down the stretch to hold off the rally.

West Liberty finished with 32 points in the paint and 10 steals, keeping the game within reach throughout the second half. Cal U shot 10 of 16 in the opening quarter to build a 26–14 lead, then carried a 44–29 edge into halftime after limiting WLU to 3-of-16 shooting in the first period.

The Hilltoppers roared back in the third, shooting 50 percent from the field and knocking down four 3-pointers. Ana-Isabel Andersson Rodriguez scored just two seconds into the quarter, Bailee Smith buried a three at 8:26, and Anna Lucarelli added another triple at 6:09 as the deficit shrank to 57–53 entering the final frame.

But the Vulcans regained control at the line. Cal U opened the fourth quarter on an 8–0 run, backed by two layups from Kennedy Bankett and six free throws from Trinity Balog. West Liberty battled late — including a 3-pointer from Dria Parker that cut the margin to 72–66 with 1:36 remaining — but could not get closer.

Lucarelli led West Liberty with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four steals, turning in her second straight standout performance. Smith added 21 points, hitting three 3-pointers and going 6 of 8 at the line. Andersson Rodriguez totaled eight rebounds and five assists, while Jameka Brungard provided efficient minutes off the bench, going 4-for-4 from the field and adding two steals.

West Liberty returns to action Wednesday at Ursuline at 5:30 p.m.