Charleston, WV – The University of Charleston finally returned to the Wehrle Innovation Center for its home opener, earning a hard-fought 66–62 victory over Virginia State University on Wednesday morning.

The Basics

• Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
• Final Score: UC 66, VSU 62
• Records: Charleston (2-1), Virginia State (1-2)

How It Happened
After a 1–1 weekend, the Golden Eagles were eager to get back on track. Although the Trojans opened the game with a three-pointer, UC quickly responded as Paris Stokes and Jordan Scully knocked down back-to-back threes to take the lead. Charleston surged ahead 11–3 five minutes in, but Virginia State battled back, tying the game at 16–16 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter remained tightly contested, with neither team able to create separation. Livia O'Dea closed the half with a three-pointer followed by a free throw, giving UC a narrow 30–29 advantage at the break.

Charleston leaned on Stokes in the third quarter, as she poured in seven points and showcased her scoring versatility. Her energy lifted the Golden Eagles to a four-point lead heading into the final frame.
UC built a seven-point cushion early in the fourth after another strong finish from Stokes, but turnovers allowed the Trojans to close the gap to 53–51 just minutes later. After a timely timeout from head coach Bubby Johnson, O'Dea stepped up again, burying two clutch three-pointers to restore an eight-point lead. In the final minutes, free throws sealed the win and secured Charleston's second victory of the season.

Stokes recorded her third double-digit scoring performance of the year, while Harper Annarino was a force inside, finishing with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Up Next
Charleston returns home this Saturday for a 2:00 p.m. matchup against Thomas More.