WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's basketball team capped its regular season home schedule in style Sunday afternoon, defeating Concord University, 92-82, inside the ASRC.

West Liberty (9-17, 6-13 MEC) used a dominant fourth quarter to pull away from the Mountain Lions (17-9, 12-6 MEC), outscoring Concord 31-23 over the final 10 minutes. The Hilltoppers were relentless at the free-throw line, converting 34-of-41 attempts, which proved to be the difference in a physical conference battle.

Concord jumped out to an early 6-2 lead and held a 17-10 advantage after the first quarter. West Liberty began to find its rhythm late in the opening period behind Reagan Vinskovich's interior presence and timely free throws from Anna Lucarelli and Olivia Baker.

The Hilltoppers seized momentum in the second quarter. Katie Lucarelli buried a three-pointer with 2:02 remaining to give West Liberty its first lead of the game and knocked down another triple in the closing seconds of the half. A key defensive stop by Jameka Brungard helped send the Hilltoppers into the break with a 37-33 lead.

The third quarter remained tightly contested. Vinskovich sparked the offense with back-to-back layups, while Baker and Dria Parker connected from beyond the arc to keep the Hilltoppers in front. Ana-Isabel Andersson provided a crucial bucket in the final seconds of the quarter to give West Liberty a narrow edge entering the fourth.

West Liberty took control down the stretch. Anna Lucarelli opened the final period with a three-pointer, and the Hilltoppers continued to attack in transition. Vinskovich added key finishes in the paint, while Baker's perimeter shooting and clutch free throws helped maintain separation. 

Anna Lucarelli led the way with a double-double, totaling 26 points and 12 rebounds to go along with five assists. Baker poured in 23 points, connecting on five three-pointers and going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Vinskovich added 21 points and seven rebounds, while Katie Lucarelli contributed six points and two blocks.

West Liberty will close the regular season on the road Wednesday, traveling to Salem and then Wheeling on Saturday.


 

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.