Wheeling, W.Va. – 360 days after dropping its home opener by a single point to California (Pa.), the Wheeling University women's basketball team found a different ending on Monday night. The Cardinals (1-0) opened the 2026-27 season with a thrilling 63-62 victory over Walsh University, highlighted by a program-record 42-point performance from junior
Emilia Sierra Lacosta and a game-winning layup from
Hillari Baker in the closing seconds.
Sierra Lacosta wasted little time making her presence felt, scoring 17 of Wheeling's first 20 points as the Cardinals took a 20-19 lead after the opening quarter. She carried the offensive load throughout the first half, knocking down four three-pointers and helping Wheeling maintain a 35-33 advantage at the break. The Cardinals entered the second half looking to build on that momentum, but Walsh responded with a strong third quarter, outscoring Wheeling 17-9 to take a 50-44 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Cavaliers continued to apply pressure in the fourth quarter, eventually building an eight-point advantage at 61-53 with just over five minutes remaining. Wheeling refused to back down, however, as Sierra Lacosta continued her historic night. She knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to three and the Cardinals continued chipping away. Baker added two free throws before knocking down a clutch three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining to tie the game at 61-61. Walsh briefly reclaimed the lead at the free-throw line, setting up one final opportunity for the Cardinals.
With 19 seconds remaining, Baker came up with a steal near midcourt before taking the ball the other way for a fastbreak layup with 15 seconds left. The basket gave Wheeling a 63-62 advantage. A Sydney Ludvigsen jumper with three seconds left took two hops on the rim before falling off as time expired.
While Baker provided the decisive moment, Sierra Lacosta delivered a performance for the record books. Her 42 points surpassed the previous Wheeling single-game scoring record of 41, set by Sarah Setcavage during the 2005-06 season. Sierra Lacosta finished 12-of-26 from the field, including 7-of-12 from beyond the arc, while adding nine rebounds and going 11-of-14 at the free-throw line. UVA-Wise transfer
Izzy Proffitt led in the assists column with five. The Cardinals shot 45 percent from three-point range, connecting on nine of their 20 attempts.
The Wheeling University women's basketball team returns to action on Friday, November 13, when it travels to Edinboro University for a nonconference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
