Photo by Nick Henthorn West Liberty’s Reagan Vinskovich readies a free throw Thursday during the Hilltoppers’ MEC Tournament quarterfinal against Glenville State.

WHEELING — West Liberty’s women saw their MEC Tournament run come to an end on Thursday at the hands of top-seeded Glenville State, 85-74, in the quarterfinal round of the tourney inside WesBanco Arena.

The second half saw the Pioneers pull away from No. 9 West Liberty, who finishes the year at 11-19 (6-14). The Hilltoppers trailed 23-22 after the first quarter and the game was tied 43-43 at halftime, West Liberty leading briefly in the quarter, but Glenville State pulled ahead 62-54 after three quarters and never looked back.

“We were able to get in the ring with a really, really good basketball team tonight and have our chances,” West Liberty head coach Kyle Cooper said. “There were times I felt like we generated some good looks in crucial moments, but unfortunately some of those shots didn’t fall.”

“I’m unbelievably proud of this group. They just kept showing up for each other all year. Even tonight, when we had opportunities where it could have gone the other way, they kept fighting.”

West Liberty was led by redshirt freshman Reagan Vinskovich, who impressed once again with 29 points and 13 rebounds for the ‘Toppers.

“I just wanted to leave it all out there,” Vinskovich said. “Coming into the game, it could be your last, so we all went in with that mindset — give it everything you have.”

Anna Lucarelli, a senior at West Liberty, finished with a strong 27-point, nine-rebound performance.

“I just try to play with heart and passion,” Lucarelli said. “The stats are great, but that’s never my focus. I just want to do whatever I can to help my teammates and play with joy every time I step on the floor.”

Cooper spoke about his departing seniors after the game.

“The beauty of this program is the legacy that people leave behind,” Cooper said. “Anna Lucarelli and Hayley Smith have written their own stories here, and their impact on this program and their teammates is something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Nwando Okigbo led Glenville State 23-5 (16-4) with 17 points and 24 rebounds. The Pioneers advance to the semifinal round on Saturday.