Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Edges Out Virginia with 83-82 Victory

Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball team clinched a thrilling 83-82 victory over Virginia in their regular-season finale, held on Sunday afternoon in Charlottesville. This win, part of the ongoing Commonwealth Clash, showcased the Hokies’ resilience as they faced a fierce challenge from their rivals.

Key Moments of the Game

The Hokies started strong, leading by as much as 23 points during the match. However, the Cavaliers staged a significant comeback, pushing the game to the very last seconds. The decisive moment occurred when Carleigh Wenzel, a redshirt junior guard for the Hokies, sank two crucial free throws with just 1.7 seconds left on the clock, securing the narrow win.

Player Performances

• Carleigh Wenzel: Achieved a career-high of 29 points and excelled with 9-for-10 shooting from the free-throw line.
• Carys Baker: Contributed 16 points and seven rebounds to the team’s effort.
• Mel Daley: Added 11 points to the scoreboard.
• Kilah Freelon: Recorded 10 points and five rebounds.
• Mackenzie Nelson: Achieved her second career double-double, with 10 points and 11 assists.
• Kymora Johnson: Led the Cavaliers with 26 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Game Summary

The Hokies, finishing the season with a 22-8 record and 12-6 in conference play, demonstrated tenacity throughout the game. Early on, they established dominance with a 27-13 lead after the first quarter. Virginia Tech’s defense and sharp shooting reflected their readiness for the postseason.

Despite their strong start, the game intensity escalated as the Cavaliers reduced the deficit to a small margin. A pivotal moment happened when Wenzel converted her free throws to push Tech ahead before Virginia attempted a final shot, which ultimately missed.

Looking Forward

This victory marks Virginia Tech’s first Commonwealth Clash sweep since the 2022-23 season. The Hokies are now poised to advance to the NCAA Tournament and have a chance to improve further during the upcoming ACC Tournament in Duluth, Georgia. Their forthcoming matches could potentially include a challenging rematch against North Carolina.