FAIRMONT — The Wheeling University football team opened up their Mountain East Conference schedule against Fairmont State, and started out with a 35-28 win.

The Cardinals (2-2, 1-0 MEC) would score 20 points in the third quarter, and it was enough to lead them to their second straigth victory.

It was the rushing attack that led the way, with the Cardinals rushing for a season-high 297 yards on the ground. Leading the way was O’Marion Taylor, who carried the ball seven times for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Ade Olanegan would continue his strong start, finishing 14-24, throwing for 159 yards and three touchdowns thrown to three different receivers. His top target was Jordan Kaiser, who finished with six catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Frostburg State Pulls Away Late From Hilltoppers

FROSTBURG, Md. — Frostburg State defeated West Liberty, 21-7, on Saturday afternoon at Bobcat Stadium in the Mountain East Conference opener for both teams. The Bobcats secured the win with a dominant fourth quarter, scoring two rushing touchdowns to break a 7-7 tie. The Hilltoppers’ defense held strong in the first half, but Frostburg’s 236 rushing yards proved decisive.

Patterson led the offense with 89 rushing yards on 18 carries and scored one touchdown. Meisman completed 17 of 40 passes for 123 yards in the air. On defense, Nasir Lawrence collected seven tackles, while Jamison Holliday also recorded seven tackles. VanMatre made his presence felt with six tackles and an interception.

Next up for the Hilltoppers is a matchup against Concord next Saturday in Athens, W.Va., with kickoff at 1 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER

John Marshall Breezes By Lincoln

SHINNSTON — Trent Burton recorded a hat trick as John Marshall made the trek to Lincoln on Saturday and earned a 9-2 victory.

Daniel Pena netted two goals, while Ethan Corvino, Chase Fromhart, Quinton West and Narada Braun each added one.

The Monarchs have qualified for the OVAC Tournament, and host Brooke Tuesday at Monarch Stadium in a tournament game. The OVAC Soccer Championships, both boys and girls, are this upcoming weekend.

VOLLEYBALL

Magnolia Manages Close Win vs. Cougars

NEW MARTINSVILLE — The Blue Eagles have been racking up wins as of late, and managed a tough one Saturday, defeating Frontier in five sets, 25-22, 26-24, 23-25, 25-14, 15-11. The win drew Magnolia back to .500 at 7-7.

Magnolia’s Jessa Anderson, much as she has all year, led her team in kills with 15, adding 15 digs. Hallee Beisel led the team with 17 digs.

Sydney Quinet worked her way to 32 assists as the team’s setter. She also scored three service aces. Sydney Knight had nine kills and 14 digs. Karlie Warder had three blocks.