WHEELING, W.Va. – This will be the 80^th game in the Route 88 rivalry between the women of Wheeling Jesuit and West Liberty. West Liberty has beaten the Cardinals in the last 14 meetings with WJU's last win coming in 2007 with an 89-73 final score at home.

The Cardinals are coming off a 98-83 win against Shepherd University. Sophomore Guard, Breanna Butler led her team to victory with 19 points and six assists. With the win, Wheeling Jesuit improved their record to 4-6 in conference (7-7 overall). West Liberty is coming into the game after losing at home against Fairmont State University 85-75 which dropped their conference record to 5-5 (8-8 overall).

 The Bird Cage at the Alma Grace McDonough Center will be no doubt rocking with students, faculty and fans from across the county. "I believe the environment will be special for the girls to play in, but we will need to treat it just like any other conference game," said WJU coach Debbie Buff.

The Cards look towards Junior Guard, Emily Robinson to lead them to victory against the Hilltoppers. "This is going to be an exciting experience for all of us and our team is extremely fired up to get a chance at West Liberty in front of our fans," said Robinson. "We have been playing well as a team and we have the skills and ability to be able to compete with anyone in the conference."

Wheeling Jesuit will also look toward their three point shooting ability; a category in which they rank third in the country (40.3%) led by Breanna Butler who ranks ninth in the nation (3.07 per game).  The Cardinals will have to keep their eye on WLU Sophomore, Kierra Simpson who averages 15.2 rebounds a game this January; she leads the MEC in rebounds and has moved up to sixth in the nation (11.8 rebounds per game).

Tipoff for the "Route 88 Rumble" is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Thursday, Jan 23rd at the Alma Grace McDonough Center on the campus of Wheeling Jesuit. Tickets for the event are first-come, first-serve, and are available at the door starting at 4:00 PM for $6 Adults, $3 Kids. Wheeling Jesuit Staff and Students are free.