Wheeling, W.Va. – The Mountain East Conference (MEC) is tough. Every game matters. Last night, the Wheeling University Women’s Basketball team faced off against the Fairmont State Falcons, losing 76-67. It was a challenging night for the team, now 6-7 overall.
Kenzie Dalton shined for Wheeling, scoring 19 points, while Emilia Sierra Lacosta had her second double-double of the season. Lacosta ended with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Fairmont started strong, quickly building a 6-2 lead. Dalton and Graci Fairman narrowed it to 6-4, but Fairmont pushed ahead to 13-6. After a timeout, Wheeling struggled with turnovers as both teams showcased solid defense. Fairmont secured a double-digit lead, closing the first quarter at 19-10, thanks to a buzzer-beater layup from Fairman.
The Falcons kept the pressure up. They quickly stretched their lead to 27-12. Despite some strong plays from Lacosta and timely baskets, Wheeling could only manage to respond, ending the half 39-26, as Avery Davis sank a three-pointer.
In the third quarter, Wheeling came out stronger. Lacosta drove for layups, and Dawid hit a three, cutting Fairmont’s lead to 41-33. With good defense and steals, Wheeling showed determination. After cutting the gap to just nine points, Fairmont began to widen the distance again, finishing the quarter 56-43.
The final quarter was intense. Merriweather’s jumpers gave Wheeling hope, cutting the deficit further. They went on a mini run, and with less than two minutes left, Merriweather’s basket brought the score to 69-67. However, Fairmont sealed their victory with free throws, leaving Wheeling with the loss.
Dalton’s overall performance was impressive, not just scoring but also racking up seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Fairman contributed 13 points, while Merriweather added 10.
The team’s next challenge will be against the Frostburg Bobcats in Maryland on January 10, 2025. As the MEC continues, every game will be crucial for the team’s growth and position.
Context and Reactions
The MEC is recognized for its competitive nature, with teams constantly vying for better standings. According to the NCAA, nearly 50% of NCAA Division II women’s basketball teams have a record of .500 or better. This adds to the pressure but also showcases the talent in the conference.
Social media reactions from fans have been mixed, with many praising Dalton’s leadership. Supporters are eager to see how much the team can grow this season—it’s an ongoing conversation on platforms like Twitter, where game highlights and player stats are shared widely.
As the team continues to learn and adapt, they aim to turn these tough losses into lessons for the future. For more insights on NCAA basketball, you can explore NCAA.com.
