INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The West Virginia State University women's basketball team was beaten by Charleston, 99-68, on Sunday afternoon at the Walker Convocation Center.

West Virginia State drops to 7-11 overall and 5-7 in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) with the loss. Meanwhile, Charleston jumps to 14-4 and 9-3 in the MEC with the win.

Sophomore guard Payton Shears made four shots from three-point range on her way to a team-high 19 points. Chloe Cheresne and Alexis Hall also reached double-digits in scoring with 13 and 12 points, respectively. In typical fashion, sophomore guard Sierra Womack gave it her all. She recorded seven rebounds, six points, four assists, and a steal.

The Golden Eagles were impressive from the tip. They swiftly seized a 14-5 lead in the opening five minutes. By the end of the first quarter, they were in front by 13 points, 31-18.

The Yellow Jackets were more competitive in the second quarter. They were merely outscored, 19-16, by UC. Payton Shears hit back-to-back three-pointers in the second-to-last minute of the first half. WVSU faced a 16-point deficit, 50-34, going into the break.

Charleston emerged from the locker rooms on a tear in the third quarter. The Golden Eagles increased their advantage to 29 points, 78-49, by the end of the third period.

West Virginia State did not give up in the fourth quarter and came within two points, 21-19, of playing UC level. In the final minute of the game, Alexis Hall made two layups while Payton Shears knocked down a shot from behind the arc without an answer from Charleston.

WVSU will hit the road for its next game at Fairmont State on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.