Wenzel’s career night, Duffy’s message fuel Hokies heading into ACC TournamentWenzel’s career night, Duffy’s message fuel Hokies heading into ACC Tournament
Women's Basketball

Wenzel’s career night, Duffy’s message fuel Hokies heading into ACC Tournament

Milestones, Motivation, and Momentum: Hokies Head Into ACC Tournament

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Virginia Tech is headed to the 2026 Ally ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Hokies are slated as the No. 6 seed and will play the winner of No. 11 Georgia Tech/No.14 Florida State this Thursday. At this point in the season, it’s no longer just about potential; it’s about trust in the work, in each other, and in the preparation that’s carried Virginia Tech Women's Basketball all season. 

Carleigh Wenzel has helped lead the Hokies this season, with her most recent performance in Tech’s 83-82 Smithfield Commonwealth Clash victory at Virginia. Wenzel delivered a career-high 29 points, including the game-winning free throws in the final moments, and recently surpassed 1,000 career points in a Hokie uniform. With this win, Tech earned the sweep of Commonwealth Clash rival Virginia for the first time since the 2022-23 season. 

For head coach Megan Duffy, the performance wasn’t surprising. It was earned. Recently, at the Megan Duffy Show season finale, Duffy praised her team's progression. 

“You have to trust your preparation. Coach Nae and I work endlessly on just the form of free throws, breathing, and positive self-talk. I think we have a group that is confident to be in those situations. They’re putting the work in to prepare themselves for those moments.”

Coach Duffy

Wenzel’s talent can be seen in games where the score was often neck-and-neck, forcing the team to execute under intense pressure. Her composure in crunch time and ability to make intense pressure shots, like a buzzer-beater free-throw, is why she’s been such a reliable scorer all season. Rather than fall back, the Hokies have leaned into those situations.After the team's most recent win vs. Virginia, Duffy emphasized the importance of pushing beyond perceived limits. 

“Getting them to push to another level and reminding them of all the work they’ve done from the summer to the fall. This is where you can’t make excuses — you gotta push through.”  

That mindset has defined Tech’s late season run. The Hokies enter postseason play at 22-8 overall and 12-6 in ACC action, tested by close finishes and high-pressure games. Duffy stresses the importance of responding quickly after wins or losses. 

“We learn to turn the page quickly, to get locked in into the next opponent, learn good lessons from losses, and switch it to what makes us successful.”  

Now, the focus shifts to Duluth and the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Tech will tip Thursday at 7:30 p.m., carrying confidence and resilience with them.  

For Wenzel, the 29-point performance and 1,000-point milestone are just two of her outstanding accomplishments this season. Wenzel has also matched the program record with 17 double-figure scoring games in ACC play, tying Elizabeth Kitley’s mark set in 2023-24. Under pressure, Wenzel marches on, reflecting the trust in the foundation that Duffy preaches daily. 

And as postseason play begins, that trust will be the Hokies’ greatest strength. 

Don’t miss Wenzel, Duffy, and the Hokies in action this weekend. Today, the Hokies open play in the second round of the 2026 ACC Tournament at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Ga. Tech earned the sixth-seed and now plays Georgia Tech tonight at 7:30 pm on the ACC Network.