WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating Fairmont State, 81-68, inside the ASRC on Senior Day.
The Hilltoppers (8-16, 5-12 MEC) forced 25 Falcon turnovers and turned them into 29 points while knocking down 16 three-pointers. Fairmont State (18-6, 12-5 MEC) connected on just five shots from beyond the arc. The afternoon was made even more special as West Liberty honored seniors Anna Lucarelli and Halley Smith prior to tipoff.
West Liberty set the tone early with its transition game, jumping out to a 7-0 edge in fast-break points in the opening quarter. Katie Lucarelli and Ana-Isabel Andersson each connected from deep to help build an early cushion. After the Falcons tied the game midway through the period, the Hilltoppers responded with defensive intensity, recording four first-quarter steals. Olivia Baker's fast-break layup off an assist from Anna Lucarelli pushed West Liberty back in front, and the Hilltoppers closed the quarter with an 18-15 lead.
The second quarter featured a breakout stretch from Baker. The redshirt-sophomore guard buried three three-pointers in a two-minute span, the first coming at the 6:39 mark off a Kaleigh Norris assist. Baker struck again at 5:51 and 4:29, helping West Liberty maintain control in a tightly contested half. Dria Parker added a late three-pointer, assisted by Andersson, as the Hilltoppers took a 40-38 advantage into the break.
West Liberty seized control in the third quarter with another surge from beyond the arc. Andersson drilled two three-pointers, and Parker followed with back-to-back triples late in the period to stretch the lead to double digits. The Hilltoppers outscored Fairmont State 21-12 in the quarter to build a 61-50 advantage heading into the final frame.
In the fourth, West Liberty maintained its composure and defensive pressure. Andersson opened the quarter with another key three-pointer, and the Hilltoppers continued to capitalize in transition, finishing with 10 fast-break points in the half. The Falcons managed just 18 fourth-quarter points as West Liberty closed out the 81-68 victory.
Baker led all scorers with 27 points, knocking down eight three-pointers in a standout performance. Anna Lucarelli added 18 points and seven steals in her Senior Day finale. Andersson filled the stat sheet with six assists and six rebounds, while Reagan Vinskovich controlled the paint with three blocks and eight rebounds.
West Liberty will look to build on the momentum Wednesday when the Hilltoppers travel to Glenville State.
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.
