Tech defeats Loyola Maryland in low scoring affairTech defeats Loyola Maryland in low scoring affair
Women's Basketball

Tech defeats Loyola Maryland in low scoring affair

Carleigh Wenzel led all players with 18 points to go along with six rebounds

Opens in a new window Stay Connected Opens in a new window Pledge Per Opens in a new window Purchase Single Game Tickets Opens in a new window Box Score (PDF)
Box Score

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech women’s basketball emerged victorious, 64–48, in a low-scoring battle against Loyola Maryland in Cassell Coliseum Sunday afternoon. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Carleigh Wenzel got Virginia Tech off to a quick start with a steal and an assist to Mackenzie Nelson who opened the scoring with a layup. The Greyhounds were able to convert shots from the midrange consistently, jumping out to a 10-4 lead early at 5:50. Tech proceeded to go on a 7–0 run punctuated by a big putback bucket from Kayl Petersen. A pair of three-pointers from Wenzel got the Hokies back in the game, but Loyola Maryland held a slim 16-14 edge at the end of the first quarter. 

Virginia Tech got back on track from the field in the second quarter, opening with 14 unanswered points. Stifling defense by the Hokies derailed Loyola Marlyand’s offense, forcing multiple shot clock violations. Highlight plays from Wenzel and a tough and-one from Samyha Suffren generated momentum for Tech, who entered halftime up, 34-26. 

Scoring started late in the third for Virginia Tech, but it came in the style of two consecutive and-ones from Carys Baker. Mel Daley made contributions as well with two mid-range jumpers. It was a low-scoring quarter, but by holding the Greyhounds to only six points, the Hokies were able to extend their lead to 14, 46-32, headed into the final 10 minutes. 

Baker opened the scoring in the fourth quarter for the Hokies, getting to the rim effectively. The Greyhounds offense picked up speed halfway through the quarter, forcing Tech to make shots. Scores came for Loyola Maryland by attacking the offensive glass, leading to multiple second-chance points. Suffren sealed the 64-48 win for the Hokies with a steal turned fastbreak layup along with three shots from the line. 

NOTES

  • Virginia Tech improves to 2-0 on the season while holding their opponents to under 60 points
  • It is the first time the Hokies held an opponent to under 49 points since their 81-46 victory over Campbell on Dec. 21, 2024
  • Tech out-rebounded the Greyhounds, 38–30
  • The Hokies did not allow Loyola to score off a fastbreak
  • Guard Carleigh Wenzel led the Hokies in scoring with a season-highs in points (18) and rebounds (6)
  • Guard Mackenzie Nelson recorded a career-high 11 assists on the night
  • Forward Carys Baker made big contributions with 17 points and three steals
  • Sophomore Kayl Petersen was one rebound shy of her second consecutive double-double going for 10 points and nine boards
  • Seven Hokies put up points in the win

UP NEXT

Virginia Tech looks to carry this momentum through the homestand against Gardner-Webb on Thursday, Nov. 13 for a 6 p.m. start.