North Canton, Ohio – Thursday night's season opener between West Liberty and Walsh was a tale of two halves as the Cavaliers held on to defeat the Hilltoppers 24-21 at Larry Staudt Field. WU was able to race out to a 24-0 lead in the opening minutes of the third quarter, however WLU was able to respond with 21 unanswered points to get within one possession in the closing minutes of the game. West Liberty opens their home schedule a.nd Mountain East Conference play by welcoming Fairmont State to the hilltop next week. The Hilltoppers and Falcons are slated for a 7 P.M. kick-off under the lights of West Family Stadium on Thursday night.