The season is over for the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team, as the Lady Hokies fell to the Oregon Ducks 70-60 on Friday in first-round action of the NCAA Tournament in Austin, Texas.
Oregon took control of the game early, going on a 12-0 run and leading 22-11 after the first quarter. The Hokies closed the gap in the second quarter, holding the Ducks to just 13 points and went into halftime down only 35-29.
VT struck first in the third quarter when Carys Baker’s basket made it a 35-31 game. That
was the closest it would get, as Oregon responded with an 18-0 to blow the game wide open.
Virginia Tech couldn’t buy a shot in the third quarter, while Oregon couldn’t miss. The Ducks opened up a 61-40 lead at one point. The Hokies would close the gap somewhat in the fourth quarter, but it was far too late. Tech struggled against Oregon’s defense all night, and the numbers showed it. Tech shot only 31.8% from the field, while the Ducks shot 48%.
Baker led the Hokies with 21 points and 14 rebounds. It was her second double-double of the season and a new career-high in rebounds. Carleigh Wenzel could never get going for the Hokies, making only two of 12 shots from the field, finishing with just nine points. Baker was the only Hokie to score in double figures.
It was obviously a disappointing ending for the Lady Hokies, but it doesn’t overshadow what an impressive season under second-year head coach Megan Duffy. Remember when Kenny Brooks seemingly bolted in the middle of the night two years ago after the greatest period in program history? Things felt low. However, the Hokies struck gold in hiring Duffy, who’s team overachieved last year, despite falling short of the tournament.
Virginia Tech finished the season 23-10. The Hokies will only get better next year with several returning players, a new recruiting class, and the return of freshman guard Kate Sears, who missed her first year with an injury.
Congratulations to Coach Duffy and the Lady Hokies on a terrific season.
