Charleston, WV – After a two-week break, the University of Charleston women's basketball team returned to the Wehrle Innovation Center for a challenging Mountain East Conference matchup against Fairmont State University.
The Basics
- Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
- Final Score: UC 69, FSU 61
- Records: Charleston (6-6, 4-2 MEC), Fairmont State (8-3, 3-2 MEC)
How It Happened
Fairmont State came out strong, opening the game on an 8–0 run in the first three minutes. Bridget Womber put Charleston on the board with a layup assisted by Ksenija Mitric, stopping the early momentum. From there, the teams traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter, with the Golden Eagles trimming the deficit to just one point. Kennedi McLean scored Charleston's final six points of the opening period to keep the game close.
The Falcons once again struck first in the second quarter, scoring the first six points. Charleston responded with back-to-back baskets from Livia O'Dea and Harper Annarino to stay within reach. Three key free throws from Mitric late in the half helped the Golden Eagles head into halftime trailing by only two.
Charleston flipped the script in the third quarter, getting off to its best start of the game. Paris Stokes knocked down a jumper, followed by a Womber tip-in, giving UC its second lead of the contest. Fairmont State answered back and tied the game with 6:18 remaining, but Charleston shifted into another gear, closing the quarter on an 8–1 run to take a 49–45 lead heading into the final period.
The Golden Eagles wasted no time extending their advantage in the fourth quarter. In just over two minutes, UC went on a 10–0 run fueled by Harper Annarino and Paris Stokes, building their largest lead of the night. Fairmont State attempted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to six with two minutes remaining, but Charleston maintained control and closed out a 69–61 victory.
Charleston's bench played a key role, outscoring Fairmont State's reserves 21–8. Paris Stokes led all scorers with 20 points, while Harper Annarino delivered a dominant performance in the paint, recording a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Next Up
Charleston will travel to Pittsburgh on Thursday, January 8 to take on Point Park University at 4:00PM.
