WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty women's basketball team heads to Salem on Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff as the Hilltoppers look for their third win in the last four games.
West Liberty enters the matchup at 9-17 overall and 6-13 in Mountain East Conference play, coming off a strong 92-82 win over Concord in its final regular-season home game. The Hilltoppers have averaged 73.1 points per game this season while shooting 41.4 percent from the field and knocking down 208 three-pointers (8.0 per game).
West Liberty's offense has continued to be strong from the perimeter. The Hilltoppers average more than eight three-pointers per game, and senior guard Olivia Baker leads the MEC (4th nationally) with 77 three-pointers, averaging 4.1 makes per game while shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Inside, redshirt freshman Reagan Vinskovich, the reigning MEC player of the week, anchors the frontcourt, averaging 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 54.0 percent from the floor.
Senior guard Anna Lucarelli adds 15.9 points per game and leads the team with 104 assists, while Baker chips in 14.7 points per contest. The Hilltoppers average 14.9 assists per game and own a positive assist-to-turnover ratio compared to their opponents.
Salem enters Wednesday at 3-22 overall, averaging 53.7 points per game while shooting 32.9 percent from the field. The Tigers average 4.5 three-pointers per contest and turn the ball over 21.5 times per game.
Selena Frost leads Salem at 12.0 points per game, while Nakayla Green (9.5 ppg) and Meilin Guo (9.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg) provide additional scoring options.
West Liberty holds a 42-15 all-time advantage in the series, including a 71-50 victory earlier this season inside the ASRC. The Hilltoppers have won five straight in the series and are 4-1 against Salem dating back to 2023.
Rebounding will be a key factor. West Liberty averages 32.9 rebounds per game, while Salem pulls down 35.6. The Hilltoppers will also look to capitalize on Salem's turnover numbers and control tempo early.
