WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University women's basketball team returns home Saturday for a Mountain East Conference matchup against Wheeling University, with tip-off set for noon at the ASRC.

Saturday's contest also marks Alumni Day, highlighted by a special halftime recognition of the Hilltoppers' 2016 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 team, celebrating one of the most memorable postseason runs in program history.

West Liberty enters the game at 5-12 overall and 2-8 in MEC play, while Wheeling comes in 9-8 overall and 4-5 in conference action. Despite recent results, the Hilltoppers hold a 57-48 all-time advantage in the series, though the Cardinals have won the last four meetings. West Liberty's most recent win in the rivalry came on Feb. 25, 2023, an 87-83 decision, and the Hilltoppers are 4-6 in the last 10 meetings.

Offensively, West Liberty averages 73.3 points per game, ranking among the top offenses in the league, and leads the MEC in 3-point field goals made per game (7.7). The Hilltoppers have showcased balance throughout the lineup, with Anna Lucarelli (15.4 ppg), Olivia Baker (13.8 ppg), Jameka Brungard (10.2 ppg) and Ana-Isabel Andersson (10.1 ppg) all scoring in double figures this season.

Wheeling is anchored by one of the league's top defensive units, allowing a MEC-best 58.6 points per game. The Cardinals are led offensively by Kenzie Dalton (15.3 ppg) and Emilia Sierra Lacosta (13.5 ppg), while also forcing 18.6 turnovers per game, one of the top marks in the conference.

At halftime the 2016 Sweet 16 team will be honored, that team defeated Shaw and California (Pa.) to advance to the Atlantic Region Championship before falling to host Virginia Union in the NCAA Sweet 16.
The squad was led by a talented core including Liz Flowers, Kiki Simpson, Kailee Howe, Emily Bucon, and Johnie Olkosky. Flowers earned First Team All-Mountain East Conference honors and was named Second Team All-Atlantic Region. Simpson was named MEC Player of the Year, earned First Team All-MEC and First Team All-Atlantic Region honors, and was a Second Team All-American in 2015. Howe earned First Team All-MEC and All-Atlantic Region.




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.