ATHENS, W.Va. — Olivia Baker tied a West Liberty University single-game shooting percentage record with a flawless performance from the field, but the Hilltoppers came up short in a 93–77 setback to Concord University on Saturday afternoon at the Carter Center.
Baker poured in 26 points while going a perfect 9-for-9 from the floor, including 8-for-8 from three-point range, matching the program record for shooting percentage in a game. West Liberty knocked down 11 three-pointers overall, but Concord's dominance inside proved decisive, as the Mountain Lions held a 58–30 advantage in points in the paint and forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 21 points.
West Liberty opened the game with an early offensive surge, highlighted by Baker's fastbreak layup following her own steal and a three-pointer from Katie Lucarelli off an Ana-Isabel Andersson assist. The Hilltoppers built an early lead before Concord answered late in the opening quarter, taking a 24–21 edge after one.
The Hilltoppers briefly pulled even early in the second quarter on a Baker three just seven seconds in, but Concord used its interior presence to regain control. West Liberty stayed within striking distance behind baskets from Andersson Rodriguez and Kaleigh Norris, yet the Mountain Lions carried a 46–37 advantage into halftime.
Andersson sparked West Liberty early in the third quarter with a fast-break three and a layup to trim the deficit, while Dria Parker connected from beyond the arc midway through the frame to keep the Hilltoppers close. Concord, however, continued to answer, extending its lead to 68–58 entering the fourth.
West Liberty made one final push early in the fourth quarter with back-to-back three-pointers from Baker to cut the margin to 77–69, but turnovers and foul trouble stalled the comeback as Concord closed out the contest.
Along with Baker's record-tying effort, Andersson finished with 13 points and seven assists, Reagan Vinskovich added 10 points and four rebounds, and Lucarelli contributed five points and two steals.
West Liberty returns home on Monday, hosting West Virginia State in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff at the ASRC.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
