Cavaliers Open New Era with Dominant 87-45 Victory Over Maryland Eastern Shore (11-2-26)
BY: DARRELL OWENS
HEADLINE PHOTO CREDIT: ARTURO JONES-LMS NETWORK
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — November 2, 2026 — Virginia women’s basketball opened the 2026-27 season in impressive fashion Monday night, defeating Maryland Eastern Shore 87-45 at John Paul Jones Arena in head coach Aaron Roussell’s Cavaliers debut.
The victory improved UVA to 1-0 and marked the program’s fifth consecutive season-opening win.
Senior guard Kymora Johnson led the charge with 21 points and four assists, reaching two significant career milestones. Johnson moved into eighth place on Virginia’s all-time scoring list with 1,746 points and climbed to third in career assists with 562.
Virginia established control midway through the opening quarter, using an 18-2 run to build a 22-8 advantage. The Cavaliers continued their offensive dominance in the second quarter, shooting 67 percent from the field and taking a commanding 43-19 lead into halftime.
The Cavaliers maintained their momentum after the break, outscoring the Hawks 44-26 in the second half. Virginia closed the contest on a 12-1 run, putting the finishing touches on a convincing 42-point victory.
Breona Hurd delivered an outstanding all-around performance, recording 11 points, 12 rebounds and five steals. Adeang Ring also registered a double-double, while Mary-Anna Asare contributed 10 points.
Virginia’s balanced attack featured four double-digit scorers, and every available Cavalier contributed points.
Defensively, UVA limited Maryland Eastern Shore to 37 percent shooting while controlling the rebounding battle 44-25.
Game Stats
| Category | Virginia | UMES |
| Final Score | 87 | 45 |
| First Quarter | 22 | 8 |
| Second Quarter | 21 | 11 |
| Second Half | 44 | 26 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 49% | 37% |
| Total Rebounds | 44 | 25 |
| Free Throws Made | 22 | 7 |
UVA Standouts
Kymora Johnson: 21 points, 4 assists
Breona Hurd: 11 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals
Adeang Ring: Double-double
Mary-Anna Asare: 10 points, 4 rebounds
What’s Next?
Virginia travels to Davidson on Thursday, November 5, for a 7 p.m. matchup.
The Cavaliers enter their next contest with momentum following an encouraging debut under Roussell.
With Johnson leading the way and several players making significant contributions, UVA demonstrated the depth and potential that could make this season exciting in Charlottesville.
Final: Virginia 87, Maryland Eastern Shore 45.
