WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's basketball team returns to the ASRC on Monday to host longtime Mountain East Conference rival West Virginia State in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.

West Liberty enters the matchup at 5-10 overall and 2-6 in MEC play, while West Virginia State comes in 6-8 overall and 3-5 in conference action. Monday's contest carries important implications for both teams as they jockey for position in the middle of the league standings.

West Liberty averages 73.6 points per game, ranking fifth in the MEC, and has relied heavily on its perimeter attack. The Hilltoppers lead the conference in three-point field goals made per game (7.9) and have connected on 118 triples this season — more than double their opponents' total.

The Black and Gold feature a balanced scoring attack led by Anna Lucarelli (15.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
,Jameka Brungard (10.7 ppg), shooting an impressive 56.4 percent from the field, Ana-Isabel Andersson (10.5 ppg), who also leads the team with 68 assists, Olivia Baker (13.9 ppg), a key perimeter threat with 33 made three-pointers.
 

West Liberty has shown the ability to move the ball effectively, averaging 14.5 assists per game, and remains dangerous when it limits turnovers and controls tempo.

West Virginia State averages 71.2 points per game and owns a slight +0.4 scoring margin on the season. The Yellow Jackets' strength lies on the glass, where they average 39.6 rebounds per game, ranking among the top rebounding teams in the MEC.

Individually, WVSU is led by Baylee Goins (15.8 ppg), a versatile scorer shooting 46.3 percent from the floor, Lillian Jackson (13.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg), a consistent double-double threat, Imani Hickman (11.2 ppg) and Latisha Parris (10.7 ppg), who add balance to the offense.
 

Defensively, the Yellow Jackets average 8.9 steals per game and 4.8 blocks, using their size and athleticism to disrupt opponents.

West Liberty holds a 44-20 all-time advantage in the series against West Virginia State. The Hilltoppers have won two of the last three meetings, including a 76-69 victory at the ASRC last season.



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.