BUCKHANNON, W. Va. – Despite having four freshmen score in double figures, the Clarion University women's basketball team fell on the road 87-65 to West Virginia Wesleyan Friday night in non-conference action.

 

Guard Mackenzie Clark led the way for Clarion with 15 points on 6 of 11 shooting while adding four rebounds, four steals, two assists and a blocked shot.

 

But West Virginia Wesleyan (2-0), the defending WVIAC regular-season champions, had five players reach double digits paced by 17 points each from Lydia Bridenbaugh and Jamie Kaufman, who shot 8 of 12 from the field. Bridenbaugh added eight rebounds with Kaufman chipping in six boards.

 

Also reaching double figures for Clarion were forward Ann Deibert with 12 points and guards Raven Jones and Emma Fickel with 10 each. Fickel, the PSAC-West Player of the Week, added eight rebounds and three assists.

 

West Virginia Wesleyan also got 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists from Daria Abros'kina, who shot 7 of 10 from the field, 13 points, eight assists and four steals from Danae Hill and 11 points from Brianna Welch.

 

Clarion trailed 18-11 midway through the first half before West Virginia Wesleyan used a 26-7 run to break open a 52-29 halftime lead.

 

West Virginia Wesleyan shot 55.9 percent (38 of 68) from the floor including a scorching 59 percent (23 of 39) in the first half. Clarion shot 41 percent (25 of 61).

 

Clarion returns to action Tuesday at Tiffin.