WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. -- Fairmont State came up short in an 87-79 decision at West Liberty on Saturday evening at the ASRC. Sierra Kotchman scored a career-high 32 points in the setback.
 
With the loss, FSU falls to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in the Mountain East Conference. West Liberty improves to 4-6 overall (3-3 MEC).
 
Despite facing two double-digit margins in the first and third quarters of play, the Falcons battled back within striking distance both times.
 
In the first quarter after West Liberty opened up a 15-0 lead at the 5:06 mark, the Falcons slowly chipped away at the Hilltopper lead and got within four points at the 7:06 mark of the second quarter after a jumper by Kelli Jo Harrison. However, West Liberty finished strong and took a 10-point lead into the locker room - following a three by McKenna Shives. Shives scored 18 opening half points to lead the 'Toppers.
 
West Liberty's success carried over to the second half, with the home team opening the third quarter on a 14-3 run - giving WLU its largest lead of the game at 21 (57-36) with 5:44 remaining in the third.
 
Fairmont State clawed its way back once again in the fourth, closing the Hilltopper advantage to just three (73-70) with 4:26 remaining in the game.
 
However, WLU finished the game with a 16-9 scoring advantage in the final four minutes of play to close out the win.
 
In addition to Kotchman's 32-point breakout, the Falcons also got 18 points from Brooke Kurucz and 10 points and 16 rebounds from Harrison. FSU managed just 39 percent from the field, despite making 11 three-pointers.
 
Shives turned in a team-high 27 points for the Hilltoppers. Marissa Brown also chipped in 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Brandi Beader added 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists – each recording double-double performances. Johnie Olkosky also pulled down 10 rebounds for the Hilltoppers.
 
West Liberty shot 46.3 percent from the field (31-of-67) and held a 44-39 advantage on the glass.
 
FSU will return to action next Wednesday with a non-conference matchup against Salem International at Joe Retton Arena. Tip is set for 6 p.m.