WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty opened Mountain East Conference play with a convincing 77–61 win over Point Park University on Saturday at the ASRC. The Hilltoppers never trailed, seizing control early with a dominant 27–10 first quarter and converting 21 Pioneer turnovers into 19 points.

The Hilltoppers set the tone from the opening tip, fueled by a red-hot start from Dria Parker, who buried three first-quarter 3-pointers—each assisted by a different teammate. West Liberty punished the Pioneers in the paint with 18 points inside while using defensive pressure to force turnovers and create transition opportunities. Katie Lucarelli anchored the defense with key rebounds and a block, and Jameka Brungard closed the quarter with four straight layups to help the Black and Gold build a 17-point advantage.

Parker struck again just 11 seconds into the second quarter with another three, sparking an 18-point frame for the Hilltoppers. West Liberty's defensive intensity remained high, highlighted by a steal from Halley Smith and consistent ball pressure across the lineup. Despite a late Point Park push, interior scoring from Anna Lucarelli and Brungard helped WLU maintain control and carry a 45–26 lead into halftime.

The Pioneers attempted to rally in the third quarter, but West Liberty responded each time. A corner three from Ana-Isabel Andersson at 7:22 provided an early spark, while Anna Lucarelli added four free throws and a steal to keep momentum on the Hilltoppers' side. Point Park trimmed the deficit briefly, but a timely block by Smith and steady WLU scoring helped preserve a 61–48 lead entering the fourth.

Parker delivered the dagger in the final period, hitting her seventh three-pointer with 5:38 remaining to extend the lead to 64–52. Key baskets from Kaleigh Norris and Andersson kept the Hilltoppers comfortably in front before Parker added one final three to close out the 16-point win.

Parker finished with a game-high 21 points, going 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. Andersson added 13 points and four assists, while Anna Lucarelli contributed 12 points— including 8-8 from the free-throw line—and eight rebounds.Katie Lucarelli also tallied 12 points, two steals, and four assists.

West Liberty returns to action Wednesday with a 5:30 p.m. MEC road matchup at Charleston.