WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University (0-1) rallied from a 17-point deficit in the second half but came up just short Thursday night, falling to Walsh University (1-0), 30-27, at West Family Stadium.
The Hilltoppers finished with 446 yards of total offense and converted 9-of-15 third-down opportunities. Quarterback
Kohl Meisman completed 21-of-36 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while
Hunter Patterson accounted for 249 total yards and two touchdowns.
Walsh struck first after an early offensive drive ended with Jake Gill scoring on a 19-yard touchdown run. Andrew Caranna added a 34-yard field goal later in the first quarter to give the Cavaliers a 10-0 advantage.
West Liberty put together several promising drives but was unable to capitalize. Meisman connected with
Jaylin Harcum for a 10-yard gain and later broke loose for a 33-yard run that moved the Hilltoppers deep into Walsh territory. The drive ultimately stalled, however, and Walsh carried its 10-0 lead into the second quarter.
The Cavaliers threatened again early in the second quarter, but West Liberty's defense came up with a big play when
DeMontay Johnson intercepted a Walsh pass at the Hilltoppers' 40-yard line.
West Liberty converted the turnover into points as Meisman found
Trey Singleton and Patterson for key completions before
Aidan Grella drilled a 35-yard field goal to make it 10-3.
Walsh answered with a 75-yard scoring drive that ended in a touchdown. The Cavaliers' ensuing extra-point attempt was blocked by Christopher Thompson, keeping the deficit at 16-3 heading into the second half.
The Hilltoppers opened the third quarter with another productive drive, highlighted by a 36-yard Patterson run. Grella capped the possession with a 40-yard field goal, trimming the Walsh lead to 16-6. Walsh responded with a 62-yard touchdown pass to push its advantage back to 23-6, but West Liberty answered immediately. Meisman connected with Patterson on a 54-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Hilltoppers within 10 points at 23-13.
The Cavaliers added another touchdown before the end of the quarter to take a 30-13 lead into the final period.
West Liberty refused to go quietly. After a 15-yard run by
Khalon Simmons helped move the offense, the Hilltoppers' defense forced Walsh to punt and gave the offense another opportunity.
Patterson then broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 30-27 with more than 10 minutes remaining.
The defense came up with another crucial stop on the next Walsh possession. On a 33-yard field-goal attempt,
Jaylin Harcum blocked the kick, and
Marvelle Cromerdie recovered the loose ball and returned it 10 yards.
West Liberty appeared poised to complete the comeback, but Walsh's defense held firm. Meisman later connected with
Dominic Diaz-Ellis on a 43-yard touchdown pass to pull the Hilltoppers within three, 30-27, but West Liberty could not find the equalizer in the final minutes.
The Hilltoppers' defense forced one final Walsh turnover on downs, giving West Liberty possession in the closing moments, but the Cavaliers held on for the season-opening victory.
Patterson finished with 142 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a touchdown, while adding 107 receiving yards on 10 receptions and a second score. Diaz-Ellis recorded two receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Grella was 2-for-2 on field-goal attempts, including a career-best 40-yarder, and converted all three of his extra-point attempts.
West Liberty will look to bounce back Saturday when the Hilltoppers travel to Seton Hill University for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff in Greensburg, Pa.
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.
