FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- After a slow start, Fairmont State's second half rally came up short on Thursday evening as the University of Virginia's College at Wise came away with a 79-72 victory over the Falcons at Joe Retton Arena.
 
UVa-Wise opened up a 19-4 lead after one quarter of play and never trailed in the win.
 
The Cavaliers improved to 11-12 overall and 9-8 in Mountain East Conference play. The Falcons fell to 10-13 overall and 7-10 in league play.
 
Fairmont State got 21 points apiece from Rachel Laskody and Brooke Kurucz in the setback. Laskody also pulled down 10 rebounds to record her seven double-double of the season. Sierra Kotchman also reached double-figures with 18.
 
It was a tale of two halves for the Falcons, as Fairmont State shot 29 percent from the field in the first half, and 52 percent in the second half.
 
UVa-Wise had four players in double-figures in the win, led by Kaylee Johnson with 22 points on 9-of-17 from the field. Cynita Webb also recorded a double-double for the Cavs with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
 
The Cavaliers shot 54 percent from the field in the victory and held a 37-31 advantage on the glass. UVa-Wise also held a 42-28 scoring advantage in the paint, and got 25 points off the bench in the win.
 
Neither team missed a free throw on the evening, with Fairmont State going 10-of-10, and Virginia-Wise knocking down each of its nine attempts.
 
The Falcons will return to action on Saturday afternoon when Concord comes to town for a 2 p.m. tip inside Joe Retton Arena.