WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - The Fairmont State University faced off against West Liberty University. Behind Katy Darnell's third-straight double-double, the Falcons were victorious, 77-69.

Fairmont State (19-5, 13-4) started on the right foot as Jalen Gibbs scored the first four points. West Liberty (8-16, 5-11) quickly responded and evened the game at four. The back-and-forth affair was on until the Falcons jumped ahead by five (15-10) after an Aaliyah Brunny three. The Hilltoppers narrowed the margin to two before Alyssa DeAngelo hit two free throws to put the visitors ahead, 19-15.

West Liberty hit the opening jumper of the second before the visitors rattled off eight-straight with four from Darnell and Gibbs. The home side used a 10-2 run to trail 29-27 with 4:57 left in the first half. FSU slowly expanded its lead back to double digits (10) before WLU hit a three to close the second period. Going into their respective locker rooms, Fairmont State led 39-32.

To start the second half, the Falcons held the advantage despite the Hilltoppers cutting it down to just four (44-40). However, that was the closest the home side got as the visitors went back in front by at least six for the final five-plus minutes of the third. As the game ventured to the final 10 minutes of regulation, FSU led 64-55.

In the fourth, West Liberty outscored Fairmont State, 14-13, but the Falcons never let the lead slip away in the eight-point victory. Darnell finished the game with 25 points and 12 rebounds, going 10-19 from the field. Gibbs added 16 points while DeAngelo score 12. Madeline Huffman tied her season-high total of 10 assists.

Fairmont State is set to play its final non-conference matchup of the year on Wednesday, February 21 against Salem University. The road game is set start at 5:30 p.m.