West Liberty, W.Va. – The West Liberty University women's basketball team begins its Mountain East Conference (MEC) Tournament run on Wednesday, facing the University of Charleston in an opening-round matchup at 2:30 p.m. inside WesBanco Arena.

Scouting West Liberty

The Hilltoppers (9-19, 6-14 MEC) enter the tournament after a 74-55 loss to Wheeling in their regular-season finale. Senior Jenna Riccardo led the way in that contest with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Leading the charge for WLU is Bailee Smith, who was recently named to the All-MEC First Team. She ranks fifth in the MEC in scoring (15.2 ppg) while establishing herself as one of the league's top three-point shooters, sitting at second in total three-pointers made (67) and third in threes per game (2.4).

Scouting Charleston

Charleston (15-13, 10-10 MEC) enters tournament play on a two-game skid but has had the upper hand in recent matchups against West Liberty. The Golden Eagles swept the season series, winning 85-54 at West Liberty and 70-54 at home.

The UC offense is led by Paris Stokes (12.2 ppg) and Jamia Nesmith (11.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg), both of whom earned All-MEC Second Team honors. Harper Annarino also contributes with 10.4 points and a team-leading 7.6 rebounds per game.

Season Series Recap

• Dec. 11 (West Liberty, W.Va.) – Charleston dominated, shooting 52% from the field in an 85-54 win. Riccardo led WLU with 15 points, while Nesmith and Stokes combined for 36 points for UC.

• Feb. 2 (Charleston, W.Va.) – The Hilltoppers struggled offensively, shooting just 29% in a 70-54 loss. Smith was the lone bright spot with 20 points, while Nesmith led Charleston with 22 points as UC shot 53%.

Game Details

Matchup: West Liberty (9-19, 6-14 MEC) vs. Charleston (15-13, 10-10 MEC)
Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:30 p.m.
Venue: WesBanco Arena – Wheeling, W.Va.