Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech (4-0) used a dominant start and a late offensive surge to stay unbeaten, powering past Coastal Carolina (2-3), 82-59, inside Cassell Coliseum Saturday afternoon.
Carleigh Wenzel secured her first double-double of the season and the third of career behind a season-high 23 points and career-best 10 assists.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Virginia Tech opened the scoring account with an 11-2 run until the 6:12 mark. Mackenzie Nelson helped Tech jump out to their largest lead of the first quarter with her driving layup (1:07). The Hokies were firing rapidly, shooting a near 59 percent from the field (10-17) and 50 percent from long-range (4-8) in the opening quarter to build a 30-13 lead after the first ten minutes of action. Their 30 points were the most first quarter points scored since posting 34 against UNC Wilmington on Nov. 4, 2024.
Tech extended its advantage to as many as 26 in the second period behind efficient offensive execution. Carleigh Wenzel orchestrated the offense, helping Tech generate a 9-0 run midway through the period, as she knocked down four consecutive free throws while Kilah Freelon chipped in two makes from the stripe. Freelon put away two more at the charity stripe to help the Hokies’ keep a perfect 8-8 free throw mark in the second quarter and Wenzel buried a triple to send Virginia Tech into halftime ahead, 53-29.
Out of the break, Coastal Carolina made defensive adjustments to hold the Hokies to only four points. During the period, Tech was 2-18 from the floor, which in turn fueled their defense to force six turnovers. The Chanticleers shortened the deficit to 16 as Tech remained in front, 57-41, moving on to the final frame.
After regrouping, Virginia Tech found offense at the line with Wenzel before Mel Daley (7:33) generated with her second-chance effort inside the paint. Carys Baker ignited the Cassel crowd hitting a timely three-pointer for the Hokies with 6:19 remaining in the game. Coastal Carolina brought the game within 11 points three times, the last on a triple at 5:37, before Wenzel capped off her standout performance with several late assists to secure the 82-59 win.
GAME NOTES
- Virginia Tech is one of three teams in the ACC that have four wins and remain unbeaten
- The Hokies have not allowed an opponent to reach 60 points or more through four games
- Tech held Coastal Carolina without any second chance (11-0) or fast break points (9-0)
- The 27 forced turnovers are the most by an opponent since Wagner turned the ball over 35 times on Nov. 10, 2017
- The win gives Tech their first 4-0 start since the 2022-23 season
- Only eight players saw action for the Hokies
- Forward Kilah Freelon recorded a career-high 18 points at an efficient 6-7 (0.857) mark from both the field and free throw line
- Freelon also added eight rebounds, two steals, and a block
- Junior Carys Baker contributed 15 points, six boards, and two blocks
- Guard Mackenzie Nelson delivered 12 points to go with four assists
- Mel Daley produced season-highs in rebounds (5) and blocks (1)
UP NEXT
Virginia Tech closes out their five-game homestand with Niagara on Thursday, Nov. 20 for a 6 p.m. tip-off.