BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — The West Liberty Hilltoppers women's basketball came up short Saturday afternoon, falling 88-68 to West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats women's basketball at the Rockefeller Center.West Liberty (7-15, 4-11 MEC) matched Wesleyan point-for-point in the paint with 50 apiece, but the Bobcats held a decisive edge on the glass, out rebounding the Hilltoppers 39-19. Wesleyan pulled away after halftime, outscoring West Liberty 49-31 in the second half to secure the conference victory.
The opening quarter featured back-and-forth play as neither team was able to create separation. Reagan Vinskovich sparked the Hilltoppers early, scoring multiple layups, including a basket at the 3:06 mark that tied the game at 14. West Liberty finished the quarter with six assists and 14 points in the paint, closing the period tied 17-17.
West Liberty carried momentum into the second quarter, as Anna Lucarelli came up with a steal that led to a Vinskovich layup just 32 seconds in. The teams traded slim leads throughout the period, with Lucarelli contributing on both ends, including a timely tip-in at 6:13. A late three-pointer by Wesleyan's Ana Young gave the Bobcats a brief cushion, but Vinskovich answered again to keep the game tight. Wesleyan took a narrow 39-37 advantage into halftime.
The Hilltoppers opened the third quarter with another strong push, trimming the deficit to two on a Vinskovich layup at 9:26. However, Wesleyan began to assert control inside, using second-chance opportunities and interior scoring to stretch the margin. Despite a three-pointer from Lucarelli midway through the quarter, West Liberty trailed 66-55 heading into the fourth.
West Liberty continued to battle, highlighted by a defensive play from Vinskovich that led to a Lucarelli fast-break layup early in the final quarter. After Lucarelli's basket at 6:32 pulled the Hilltoppers within 11, Wesleyan answered with key possessions down the stretch, controlling the boards and converting timely opportunities to close out the win.
Vinskovich led all scorers with a career-high 29 points, shooting 13-of-17 from the floor. Lucarelli added 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting and pulled down seven rebounds. Ana-Isabel Andersson contributed across the stat sheet with four steals and four assists, while Jameka Brungard chipped in six points and three rebounds.
West Liberty returns to action Wednesday, traveling to Frostburg State for a 5:30 p.m. Mountain East Conference matchup.
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.
