ROME – On the final day in Rome, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team toured Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state at about 44 acres and a population of 1,000. The tour began at the Vatican Museum and continued through the Sistine Chapel with its impressive frescos painted by Michelangelo and ended up in St. Peter's Basilica, by far the largest church in the world.
Dara Mabrey got to meet NBA star Seth Curry who was also touring St. Peter's Basilica. Seth's father Dell, starred for the Hokies in the 80's and has his number 30 jersey hanging in the rafters of Cassell Coliseum.
Gallery: (8/16/2019) WBB Vatican Tour
Senior director of sports medicine Erin Cash and her mother stayed behind and climbed up to the roof of the dome of the church, all 551 steps which resulted in a breathtaking view of the square and surrounding area.
During conclave, when the new pope is elected, millions of people crowd the square eagerly awaiting the white smoke to billow from the chimney, signaling that a decision has been made.
In the afternoon, the team regrouped and got down to business, matching up against University of Ottawa in the second game of the Foreign Tour. Tech was pushed, but came away with comfortable victory against the Canadians, led by guard Taja Cole's 10 points and Asiah Jones led the rebounding efforts with 10, followed by Trinity Baptiste's eight.
Freshman Taylor Geiman was 2 for 2 from the 3-point line and also added five rebounds.
Gallery: (8/16/2019) WBB vs University of Ottawa
Tomorrow, the Hokies will board a train and head north to Florence, where they will take a tour of Academia, an art gallery featuring Michelangelo's David.
For full recaps of the Hokies' Foreign Tour, stay tuned to Foreign Tour Central and our social media channels.