BUCKHANNON, W.Va – West Virginia Wesleyan women’s basketball team lost a hard-fought conference matchup against West Virginia State 79-69 on Saturday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets forced Wesleyan into 30 turnovers in the game.
The two teams went bucket for bucket to start the game until West Virginia State built an early seven-point lead before the under-5 media timeout, thanks to a three from Destiny Fields. Emma Witt scored eight of Wesleyan’s first 10 points, helping to keep the Lady Bobcats in it throughout the opening quarter. The Yellow Jackets allowed the Lady Bobcats to tie it at 18 but would take a 24-19 lead going into the second quarter.
WV State started out the quarter on a 20-5 run, extending their lead to 19. Wesleyan held the Yellow Jackets scoreless in the final four minutes, cutting their lead to 14 at the halfway mark. WV State’s unique style created 21 bench points in the first half.
Witt remained dominant throughout, scoring 12 points in the third quarter off of smooth mid-range jumpers and free throws. The Yellow Jackets wouldn’t budge, keeping their 14-point lead into the third quarter.
A couple of M’laya Ainsworth threes put the Lady Bobcats back within 10, but that proved to be as close as they would get the remainder of the game. Witt scored double-figures in the closing quarter, reaching a career-high 36 points in the loss.
M’laya Ainsworth finished with 10 points and Daveona Hatchell grabbed 14 rebounds. Destiny Field led the Yellow Jackets with 23 points on 10-15 shooting from three. She also pulled down six rebounds.
Wesleyan returns to action Wednesday night at home against Concord at 5:30 p.m.
