Wheeling, W. Va- Now one full game out of COVID-19 protocols, Wheeling University Women's basketball (3-10, 3-6) travels up the hill to take on local rival West Liberty University. The Cardinals will tip-off at 2 PM Saturday afternoon in West Liberty, West Virginia.
The Cardinals were able to capture their third win of the season Wednesday evening, 72-66, against Moutain East Conference (MEC) opponent, Notre Dame College (Ohio). A dominant third and fourth quarter would position Wheeling to have a strong finish. Junior, Lauren Calhoun put together another dominant performance, posting 26 points and 11 rebounds.
At the end of the first quarter, Wheeling's offense was held to only nine points. During that quarter, the team shot 21.43% from the field. The low percentage was a key factor in losing the first ten minutes. When the next period began, the Cardinals took off. Shooting 53.85% in the second quarter from the field and going 7 of 9 from the free throw line. For one three-minute stretch, Shamia Strayhorn scored seven points. Strayhorn also totaled 7 assists during the game. At the end of two, the Cardinals had battle back to make it just a one-point game, 31-30.
The third quarter was dominated by the defense of Wheeling University. Shutting the Falcons down to only 7 points scored. The stifling defense allowed an opportunity to pull ahead on the scoreboard. Putting up another 19 points in the third quarter, the Cardinals were able to have a 49-38 lead heading into the fourth. To start off the fourth, senior Alysa Edwards-Frick extended the lead to their largest all night, 13, after knocking down two free throws. Notre Dame fought back and even made it a 6-point game, but the Cardinals 11-11 effort at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter would seal the victory.
Now moving into the end of January, every game has more significance when trying to place seeding for the MEC playoffs. Currently, Wheeling sits ninth in the conference rankings. Only a few games behind Alderson Broaddus and Notre Dame College. A winning streak can place Wheeling back into the thick of the conference. To do so, the Cardinals will need to knock off their next opponent, fourth place, West Liberty University (12-5, 7-4).
The Matchup
Wheeling versus West Liberty is known as one of the most heated rivalries in the Ohio Valley. Squaring off against each other since 2003, the Hilltoppers have gotten the best of the Cardinals, leading the series 32-12. The Wheeling University women's basketball program looks to change their fortune and capture their third all-time win against West Liberty when being the away team.
The last time these two schools met in February of 2021, Wheeling pulled out a victory, with a final score of 84-74. Former Cardinal Lily Ritz had a stellar game, totaling 29 points and 21 rebounds. Overall, the team shot 43.8% from the field, 41.7% from three and 83.3% from the free throw line. The 2022 Cardinals look to dominate in similar fashion and get their fourth victory of the season.
The Details
Tip-off for Saturday afternoon's game is scheduled for 2PM on the campus of West Liberty University. You can watch the game by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
