CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Despite a spirited third-quarter surge, West Liberty came up just short Wednesday night, falling 73–67 to Charleston inside the Wehrle Innovation Center. The Mountain East Conference matchup featured multiple momentum swings, but a strong fourth quarter from the Golden Eagles proved decisive. West Liberty forced 19 turnovers—turning them into 22 points—but Charleston countered with a dominant 45–16 rebounding advantage and a 19-point final frame to close out the win.

West Liberty opened the game with energy as Anna Lucarelli buried a 3-pointer just 19 seconds into the first quarter off an assist from Ana-Isabel Andersson. The Hilltoppers continued to capitalize on Charleston miscues, with Lucarelli knocking down another transition triple late in the frame. West Liberty carried a 17–14 lead into the second quarter.

The Hilltoppers maintained their edge early in the second, fueled by Lucarelli's free throws and a strong defensive effort. However, Charleston responded with a steady scoring stretch, including a key 3-pointer by Jordan Scully that shifted momentum. Halley Smith briefly put West Liberty back in front with a pair of free throws, but Charleston closed the half on top, 31–30.

The second quarter featured multiple momentum swings. Lucarelli added a pair of free throws and a layup to keep West Liberty in front early, but Charleston responded behind timely shooting, including a 3-pointer from Jordan Scully. Halley Smith briefly restored the lead with two free throws, but the Golden Eagles closed the quarter strong, taking a 31–30 edge at halftime.

West Liberty regained energy in the third, sparked by a 3-pointer from Olivia Baker at the 5:10 mark—her first game appearance of the season. Moments later, Lucarelli grabbed a steal and drilled a 3-pointer to give West Liberty a 48–45 advantage. Jameka Brungard added two free throws to make it 53–49 before Charleston tied the game at 54–54 entering the fourth.

The Hilltoppers opened the final quarter aggressively, with Andersson Rodriguez scoring on a layup before Baker buried back-to-back 3-pointers—part of her perfect 5-for-5 night from deep—to give West Liberty a 62–56 lead with just over six minutes remaining. Charleston, however, closed the game on a decisive run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Harper Annarino at the 2:00 mark to reclaim the lead. The Golden Eagles sealed the win at the foul line and with a late layup by Ksenija Mitrić.

Anna Lucarelli led West Liberty with 20 points, including four 3-pointers, along with two assists. Baker delivered an impressive debut performance with 15 points on perfect shooting from beyond the arc. Andersson Rodriguez added 11 points and three assists, while Brungard contributed 10 points and went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line.

West Liberty returns home to host West Virginia State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the ASRC.