Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Celebrates 500th Home Win with Dominant 78–56 Victory Over Boston College (1-11-26)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Brent Butler-LMS Network
Blacksburg, Va. — Virginia Tech women’s basketball reached a historic milestone Sunday afternoon inside Cassell Coliseum, earning the program’s 500th home victory in its 50th season with a commanding 78–56 win over Boston College. From the opening tip, the Hokies imposed their size, athleticism, and balance, leaving little doubt as to who controlled the game.
The Hokies jumped out to an early lead behind Leila Wells’ opening three-pointer and an aggressive start from guards Carleigh Wenzel and Samyha Suffren. Virginia Tech quickly established its rhythm, using balanced scoring and smart shot selection to build a 22–9 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Sophomore Kilah Freelon helped the Hokies assert their presence inside, while Carys Baker and Mel Daley added outside and mid-range threats to keep the Eagles off balance.
Virginia Tech extended its dominance in the second quarter, outscoring Boston College 19–13 to carry a 41–22 halftime lead. Mackenzie Nelson and Wenzel contributed both at the rim and from the free-throw line, while Trent and Daley added points in transition and off the glass. The Hokies’ size advantage was evident throughout, controlling rebounds and preventing Boston College from finding any sustained momentum. Despite several contested three-pointers from the Eagles, Tech’s defense and efficiency at the charity stripe kept the game firmly in hand.
The third quarter saw Tech maintain its grip on the game, opening with a layup from Nelson and points from Wenzel and Baker. The period was marked by physical play, as Kilah Freelon briefly went down after a hard defensive collision and did not return to the floor. Free throws continued to be a key factor, with both teams seeing numerous trips to the line, but the Hokies consistently converted, including clutch baskets from Suffren and Trent. Baker’s deep three late in the quarter stretched the lead to 61–37 heading into the fourth.
In the final period, Boston College tried to rally with a few timely threes from Erin Houpt and free-throw conversions from Lily Carmody and Kaia Henderson. Virginia Tech answered each challenge with balanced scoring and smart execution. Baker, Daley, Suffren, and Wells all contributed points, while the Hokies’ defense forced tough shots and limited Boston College’s efficiency. By the final buzzer, Virginia Tech had preserved a 78–56 victory, marking a historic night for the program.
The win was a milestone moment for Coach Megan Duffy and the Hokies. Reflecting on the game’s physicality and numerous fouls, Duffy emphasized the importance of discipline and adaptability:
“I talked to our team after the game about learning how to adjust. They shot a ton of free throws, we did as well… (at Syracuse) it was a slugfest — bodies on bodies. Today the game was called a little differently, but we made our free throws and stayed focused… It reminded me of non-conference play, where styles and personnel change, and you have to adapt… We can get better, but it was great to hit our free throws and execute defensively despite the challenges.”
The Hokies were led by Carys Baker, who combined inside scoring with perimeter threat, and Carleigh Wenzel, who scored efficiently and helped push the pace. Samyha Suffren provided her usual energy in transition and on the defensive boards, while Kilah Freelon dominated in the paint with key rebounds and finishes. The team’s balance was evident, as multiple players reached double digits, demonstrating Virginia Tech’s depth and versatility.
With the 500th home victory secured, Virginia Tech improves to 13–5 overall and 3–3 in ACC play, continuing a season marked by high scoring, defensive discipline, and home dominance. Cassell Coliseum — which has been home to the Hokies since 1962 — proved once again to be an intimidating venue for visitors. The Hokies move on to Dallas next to take on SMU on January 15th.
