WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University football team showed flashes of big-play potential in its 2025 home opener, but visiting Seton Hill used a decisive third quarter to pull away for a 42-21 win Saturday afternoon at West Family Stadium.

The Hilltoppers (0-1) kept pace in the first half thanks to a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Kohl Meisman threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns, including a highlight-reel 65-yard strike to Trey Singleton in the first half. Singleton finished with 92 yards on two catches, while Silas Hinson added a 14-yard TD grab among his 28 receiving yards.

On the ground, the Black and Gold piled up 141 rushing yards, led by Antevious Jackson's 58 yards on eight carries and Hunter Patterson's 50 yards on 16 attempts. Running back Jaedon Alston also chipped in with a pair of short-yardage touchdown runs, giving West Liberty scores in the first and fourth quarters.

Seton Hill (1-0) answered with a balanced offense of its own, leaning on quarterback Bowden St. Marie's 183 yards and three touchdowns through the air while using a punishing ground game to build momentum. The Griffins outscored WLU 21-0 in the third quarter, turning a one-score halftime game into a 42-14 margin.

Defensively, the Hilltoppers were led by Nolan Shimp, who finished with 9 tackles (4 solo) and a tackle for loss. Bre'Andre Horsley added 7 stops, including 2 solo tackles and a half tackle for loss, while Jamison Holliday also recorded 7 tackles to go along with a half sack. Grant Neiswonger chipped in 6 tackles, highlighted by a sack and two tackles for loss totaling 8 yards.

Statistically, West Liberty was competitive across the board, finishing with 328 total yards to Seton Hill's 291 and holding the edge in time of possession (33:17 to 26:43). However, turnovers and a costly third-quarter swing proved decisive.

The Hilltoppers return to action next Saturday with a trip to Robert Morris.