ELKINS, W.Va. — West Liberty overcame a determined second-half rally from Davis & Elkins to secure an 84–80 Mountain East Conference victory Saturday afternoon at the McDonnell Center.

The Hilltoppers (5-6, 2-2 MEC) seized control early, opening the game with a decisive 25–8 first-quarter run, and built a commanding halftime lead before withstanding a late push from the Senators (1-12, 0-5 MEC).

West Liberty finished with 30 points in the paint and turned 15 Davis & Elkins turnovers into key scoring opportunities, while the Senators countered with 42 points in the paint to keep the contest competitive down the stretch.

The Hilltoppers' fast start was fueled by sharp perimeter shooting from Olivia Baker, who knocked down four 3-pointers in the opening quarter. Ana-Isabel Andersson orchestrated the offense early, setting up Baker for a triple at the 9:50 mark, while Halley Smith added a layup following a Baker steal to cap the opening surge. West Liberty's defense limited the Senators to just eight points in the quarter to take a 25–8 lead.

West Liberty maintained its momentum in the second quarter behind strong interior play from Jameka Brungard, who scored multiple times in the paint, including a basket off a Dria Parker assist at 6:31. Baker added another 3-pointer midway through the period, again assisted by Andersson. The teams played even in the quarter, but West Liberty carried a 46–29 advantage into halftime.

Davis & Elkins made its move in the third quarter, trimming the deficit with consistent scoring inside. West Liberty responded with timely baskets from Anna Lucarelli, who scored twice in the period, and clutch free throws from Parker late in the quarter. Katie Lucarelli capped the period with a pair of free throws in the final seconds to give the Hilltoppers a 65–54 lead entering the fourth.

The Senators continued to chip away in the final frame, briefly pulling even at 67–67, but West Liberty answered with a critical 7–0 run. Brungard sparked the response with a layup and followed with free throws, while Andersson buried a fast-break 3-pointer to restore momentum. The Hilltoppers closed out the game at the line to secure the 84–80 victory.

Brungard led all scorers with 22 points and 12 rebounds, recording a double-double. Baker finished with 18 points, all from beyond the arc, and added three steals. Andersson handed out five assists, while Katie Lucarelli also dished five assists and scored seven points.

West Liberty returns home Wednesday to host Frostburg State in a Mountain East Conference matchup at 5:30 p.m. inside the ASRC.