FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- The University of Charleston improved to 3-1 on the season with a 63-55 victory over Fairmont State on Saturday afternoon at Joe Retton Arena. The Golden Eagles limited Fairmont State to just 31.6 percent from the field (18-of-57), including 27 percent in the opening half.
 
The Falcons (1-3, 0-1 MEC) also continued to struggle from behind the arc at 19 percent (4-of-21). Charleston finished the game shooting 44.7 percent from the field (21-of-47), but also struggle from behind the arc – making just 2-of-11 attempts.
 
Fairmont State forced Charleston into 28 turnovers in the game, scoring 16 points off turnovers on the afternoon.
 
Two players reached double-figures for the Falcons, led by Brooke Kurucz with 15 points, four rebounds and three steals. Sierra Kotchman also chipped in 11 points, despite making just 3-of-14 attempts from the field. Rachel Laskody led the Falcons in the paint with eight points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots.
 
Charleston's Brooklyn Pannell scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Golden Eagles in the victory. Anna Hayton also reached double figures with 10 points. Dionna Sanders pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds to go with seven points.
 
UC held a 43-23 advantage on the glass, scored 38 points in the paint and also dropped in 14 second-chance points in the victory.
 
Fairmont State will return to action on Monday against WV State. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. at Joe Retton Arena.