Bluefield, WV – The Golden Eagles hit the road for a non-conference matchup against Bluefield State University, but were unable to slow down the Big Blue, falling 80–51.
The Basics
- Location: Ned Shott Gymnasium
- Final Score: UC 51, BSU 80
- Records: Charleston (5-6, 3-2 MEC), Frostburg (6-5, 1-2 CIAA)
How It Happened
Bluefield State opened the game on a 9–0 run, putting Charleston in an early hole. Bridget Womber got the Golden Eagles on the board with a layup assisted by Livia O'Dea after more than three scoreless minutes. However, UC struggled defensively, allowing the Big Blue to build their largest lead of the quarter at 17 points with 2:24 remaining. Charleston trimmed the deficit slightly, heading into the second quarter down 15.
The Big Blue continued to control the pace early in the second quarter, extending the lead to 20. Ksenija Mitric knocked down a three-pointer to spark the offense, but Bluefield State responded with another run, pushing the margin to 23 with 3:38 left in the half. Charleston closed the second quarter strong with seven unanswered points, going into halftime trailing 41–25.
Looking to mount a comeback, the Golden Eagles came out with renewed energy in the third quarter. A long-range three from Womber cut the deficit to 13 just over two minutes into the half. After several minutes of back-and-forth scoring, Bluefield State regained momentum, closing the quarter on a decisive run to take a 67–42 lead.
Bluefield State opened the fourth quarter with a layup and never looked back. Womber and Kennedi McLean continued to battle in the paint to keep UC competitive, but the deficit proved too large. The Big Blue cruised to an 80–51 victory.
Bluefield State's defensive pressure proved to be a major factor, as the Big Blue forced 38 Charleston turnovers and converted them into 54 points, while the Golden Eagles managed just 12 points off turnovers.
Next Up
The Golden Eagles will take a break before returning to action in 2026, when they host Fairmont State University. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. on January 3 at the Wehrle Innovation Center.
