FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fairmont State senior Sierra Kotchman scored a career-high 38 points on Saturday afternoon against Wheeling University. Despite the performance, Fairmont State suffered an 87-82 setback against the Cardinals inside Joe Retton Arena.
 
The performance helped Kotchman surpass 1,900 points her career as the senior finished the game shooting 15-of-29 from the field and 7-of-15 from three. Kotchman also chipped in three assists and two steals.
 
With the loss, Fairmont State falls to 3-8 both overall and in the MEC. Wheeling improved to the .500 mark on season with a 6-6 mark both overall and in the league.
 
Wheeling shot nearly 58 percent from the field in the win and held a 39-30 advantage on the glass. The Cardinals had 42 points in the paint.
 
Fairmont State shot 44.3 percent from the field, but made just 7-of-20 attempts from behind the arc. The Falcons stayed in striking distance all afternoon in large part to forcing 23 Wheeling turnovers. The Falcons turned those Cardinal miscues into 23 points off turnovers, including 16 on the fast-break.
 
In addition to Kotchman's performance, the Falcons also got 23 points from Alyssa DeAngelo and 11 points and 14 rebounds from Katy Darnell. Darnell also recorded four steals.
 
Wheeling was led by 36 points and 12 rebounds from Lilly Ritz. Ritz finished the afternoon going 16-of-18 from the field. The Cardinals also got 18 points from Emily Holzopfel and 12 from
Maura Castelluci.
 
Fairmont State will remain at home to host Notre Dame College on Wednesday evening at Joe Retton Arena. Tip is set for 5 p.m.