Hokies Hold On in Commonwealth Clash, Down Cavaliers 76-64 (2-1-26)
By: Joey Raymond
All Photo Credit: Brent Butler-LMS Network
Blacksburg, VA — In a gritty, back-and-forth rivalry battle that saw emotion and momentum swing with every possession, the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team seized control late and walked out of Cassell Coliseum with a 76-64 victory over in-state rival Virginia on Sunday afternoon.
The Hokies struck first in the opening minutes after a Virginia turnover, with Romi Levy converting at the rim to put Tech on the board. Virginia answered quickly, and the first quarter became an early microcosm of the game as both squads traded possessions and defensive stops. A pair of layups from Leila Wells kept the Cavaliers at bay, but the Hokies’ offense struggled to find rhythm early, shooting just 38% in the first period and ending the quarter with a narrow 12-10 deficit.
Defense and Turnovers Define the First Half
The second quarter was where the momentum began to swing. Virginia Tech found its offensive footing, sparked by aggressive drives to the basket and timely shooting from beyond the arc, and closed the half on a 20-point second frame to lead 30-28 at the break. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, were unable to keep up with Tech’s balanced attack and were hurt by untimely turnovers.
Hokies Explode in Third Quarter
Coming out of halftime, the Hokies continued to take control. Layups from freewheeling guards and a huge 3-pointer from Carys Baker helped Tech outscore UVA 25-22 in the third, stretching the lead to 55-50 heading into the fourth. A key moment midway through the period came after a flagrant foul on Virginia — Tech converted from the line and maintained possession, flipping the energy in their favor.
The final quarter reflected the intensity of the rivalry. Early baskets from both teams kept Virginia within striking distance, but the Hokies responded with senior leadership, including key layups from Wells and clutch free throws down the stretch. With just over a minute left, Carys Baker drained a huge 3-pointer to put Tech up 71-60 and force Virginia into foul trouble. Tech closed the game at the free-throw line, icing the win and sending the Cassell crowd home happy.
Stats from the game back up the story of a balanced Tech effort, as the Hokies shot 38% overall, connected on 36% from 3-point range, and were 66% from the free-throw line in the win. Virginia, on the other hand, shot 34% from the field and 24% from deep but could not overcome Tech’s pressure.
● Carleigh Wenzel led Virginia Tech with 23 points on the afternoon, adding 5 assists and 5 rebounds in a performance that lifted Tech in crucial moments.
● Mackenzie Nelson added 15 points and 5 assists, running the Hokies offense with poise.
● Kilah Freelon chipped in 6 points and 7 rebounds, helping the Hokies control the glass.
For Virginia, Kymora Johnson led the Cavaliers’ scoring, but turnovers and an inability to find consistent baskets ultimately kept them from mounting a second-half comeback.
What This Means Moving Forward
The victory improves Virginia Tech’s record to 18-5 overall and 8-3 in ACC play, positioning the Hokies strongly as the season approaches its most critical stretch. The Hokies’ balanced scoring and resilient defense will be key as they continue down the conference schedule.
