WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Fairmont State's fourth quarter rally against No. 19 West Liberty fell short as the 'Toppers picked up an 80-74 victory on Saturday afternoon at the ASRC.
 
Fairmont State (5-3, 1-3 MEC) was led by Amanda Ruffner's sixth 20-point performance of the season with 21 points on 8-of-16 from the field. Makenzie White nearly recorded a double-double with 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Deidra Combs and Emily Puskarich also reached double figures with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
 
West Liberty shot nearly 48 percent from the field and held a 43-36 advantage on the glass in the win. WLU also made seven three-pointers compared to just one for the Falcons. Fairmont State shot just under 45 percent from the field.
 
Kierra Simpson led the Hilltoppers with 24 points, eight rebounds and five blocks shots in the win. Johnie Olkosky chipped in 15 points, Liz Flowers added 14 and Baylen Dyrlund notched 10 to put four West Liberty players in double figures. Kailee Howe nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and 11 assists.
 
With West Liberty leading by 11 at the 8:10 mark of the fourth, the Falcons went on an 11-3 run over the next three and a half minutes to draw within three points with 4:34 to play. West Liberty answered, however, with a jumper and three-pointers on its next two possessions and the Falcons were unable to cut the lead closer than six the rest of the way.
 
FSU will return to action next Sunday at Joe Retton Arena when Davis & Elkins visits for a non-conference battle starting at 2 p.m.