Tingle, Toppers Outshine Fairmont
WLU on to MEC semis Saturday
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WHEELING -- The spotlight shined down on two of the brightest senior stars in the conference during Thursday's MEC Women's Quarterfinal as West Liberty's Audrey Tingle and Fairmont State's Sierra Kotchman put on a show to remember.
Kotchman drained 4 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Falcons turned a 19-point deficit into just a 3-point margin with 1:40 to play, but Tingle stepped up and scored five of the last six points of the contest as the Hilltoppers held on for a 79-70 victory inside of WesBanco Arena.
The victory sends No. 3 seed West Liberty to Saturday's semifinal game to play No. 2 seed the University of Charleston at 2:30 p.m.
"You have to commend Fairmont State, (coach Stephanie Anderson), her staff and her players, led by none other than Sierra Kotchman, for fighting," West Liberty coach Kyle Cooper said. "We pushed the lead up to 19 and told our team in the huddle there was a ton of time left and we proved that.
"However, I'm really proud of our group. We are young and for a lot of our players it was their first experience out there and we found a way to close it out. That's a big statement for our program. I'm really excited to get another opportunity with this team because they are fun to coach."
West Liberty held its biggest lead at 61-42 with 1:32 remaining in the third quarter before the all-time leading scorer in MEC history gave the conference one last show as Kotchman's four final frame treys sparked a 15-3 run by the Falcons, cutting the score to 73-70 with 1:40 to go.
"I love Sierra Kotchman to death but I'm not going to miss going against her," Cooper said. "The league just lost a very special player so hats off to her."
Kotchman finished with a game-high 33 points on an MEC Tournament record 9 of 15 shooting behind the arc.
"I just wanted to do anything I could to help my team," Kotchman said. "I'm just so grateful for everyone who has been involved throughout my entire career -- my coaches, teammates, family and friends. They've all been a big part of it and I'm just extremely grateful."
With Kotchman showcasing her skills on the other end, Tingle -- the Division II women's record holder for most triple-doubles in a single season -- ended the Falcons hot streak with a layup and three made free throws down the stretch to seal the tremendous triumph.
Tingle paced the Hilltoppers with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
"That's the beauty of the game," Tingle said. "You play to get in those moments and to work to get that opportunity. I'm just really thankful for all the experiences that all of my teammates have given us.
"Sierra is a great player and I respect her a lot. I'm just thankful for the outcome of the game and how we handled business (Thursday)."
The opening stanza was a back-and-forth affair with WLU holding a 19-18 edge after one.
Then, midway through the second, Kotchman delivered a game-tying 3 to even the score at 26-26 but West Liberty opened up a 13-4 run to end the half.
The spurt was sparked by a pair of 3-pointers from All-MEC standout Corinne Thomas and one from Karly McCutcheon as the Hilltoppers led 39-30 at halftime.
The third quarter belonged to West Liberty, as well. The Toppers, leading 42-33 with 9:18 to play in the frame, marched off a 14-4 run to extend their lead to 56-37 with 4:09 to play.
Cooper credited his team's passing ability for the scoring frenzy as West Liberty accounted for 16 assists on 28 field goals in the game but he also liked the way the defense played, forcing 18 turnovers in the process.
"The way we share the basketball and the way this team plays collectively is fun to watch," Cooper said. "What I think is the most important is the way we defended. We forced some turnovers and that is the staple of who we've become this year."
To go along with Tingle's 18 points, Arriana Manzay bucketed 17 points, Bailee Smith tallied 15 points, Thomas garnered 12 and Grace Faulk added nine.
"The jump that Arriana has made this year from last year is spectacular," Cooper said. "She has played at an all-conference level, much like many of the players on our team have done. I rode her absolutely hard in the first quarter. I'm proud of her and proud of this team and can't wait to coach them again on Saturday."