BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team is gearing up for its first postseason run under head coach Megan Duffy, opening the first round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) against North Carolina A&T. The matchup is set to take place at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum this Thursday, March 20, at 6 p.m. ET.
With a solid 11-5 record at home, the Hokies not only boast the advantage of playing in front of their loyal fans but also come into the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the WBIT bracket.
The recent season saw the Hokies faced with a challenging February, suffering defeats against teams like Syracuse, Stanford, and Boston College, and then being knocked out by Georgia Tech in the second round of the ACC Tournament. Despite these hurdles, Coach Duffy and her squad have shown resilience. Reflecting on their recent exclusion from the NCAA Tournament, Duffy said, “While we were disappointed not to hear our name, we understood the process. I think we had a committee that was doing everything in their power to do the right thing and put the best teams in the field.” The team is now focusing on moving forward.
For the Hokies to set the tone against the Aggies, they are counting on the performance of guard Carleigh Wenzel. The redshirt sophomore has emerged as a key player this season, averaging 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Her growth has not gone unnoticed, as ACC Network’s ‘Nothing But Net’ recently named her the conference’s Most Improved Player of the Year.
Complementing Wenzel’s efforts are forward Carys Baker and veteran wing Matilda Ekh, both of whom have started in all 30 games this season. Baker, a versatile sophomore, is shooting an impressive 42% from beyond the arc while averaging 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, and is tied for the most blocks on the team with 23. Ekh, the seasoned senior, brings both experience and talent to the court, having recorded 61 three-pointers at a 40% clip. She contributes 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, demonstrating her dual threat from guard and forward positions.
The Hokies are also fortified by Rose Micheaux, who has been a strong presence in the paint, averaging 12.5 points and 7.8 rebounds with a remarkable 58% field goal percentage. Additionally, guards Lani White (9.3 points per game) and Mackenzie Nelson, who leads the team in steals, provide solid playmaking and defensive support.
The Hokies will need to be on high alert as they take on North Carolina A&T, a formidable opponent from the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), which has posted a 15-3 record and clinched the outright regular-season title. Under the leadership of reigning CAA Coach of the Year, Tarrell Robinson, the Aggies are equally eager to redeem themselves after falling in the quarterfinals of their own conference tournament.
North Carolina A&T is anchored by standout guard Jordyn Dorsey, who has been exceptional this season, averaging 15.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, earning her All-CAA First Team recognition and a place on the CAA All-Defensive Team. Dorsey will likely pose a significant challenge for the Hokies defensively.
Coach Duffy and the Hokies are poised and prepared for this key matchup in the WBIT, hoping to utilize their chemistry and teamwork to advance in the tournament. If the Hokies achieve victory on Thursday, they will move on to host the winner of the Wyoming (22-11) and Texas Tech (17-17) contest.
Meanwhile, the Virginia Tech baseball team recently bounced back from a tough series against North Carolina State, returning home to host VCU, where they secured an impressive 13-2 victory. After initially trailing due to a lead-off home run from VCU’s Jacob Lee, the Hokies dominated the game, highlighting their strength with a hefty 13 hits over six innings before the game concluded under the run rule.
Jared Davis contributed a significant two-run home run, and both Anderson French (with three RBIs) and Cam Pittman (with one RBI) made notable contributions in this decisive win. The Hokies will be putting their skills to the test again this weekend when they welcome a Top 25 Louisville team for an important three-game ACC series.
In addition to the success on the hardwood and diamond, the Virginia Tech softball team has been enjoying some accolades of their own. After a recent sweep against Louisville, they return to host Longwood for a doubleheader on March 19, 2025. Due to their stellar performance, Michelle Chatfield earned the ACC Player of the Week honors during the past week, tallying seven hits, four home runs, and seven runs driven in. Additionally, pitcher Emma Lemley claimed the ACC Pitcher of the Week award after firing a no-hitter against Kentucky.
As the Hokies’ basketball, baseball, and softball teams continue their seasons, fans are encouraged to rally behind them, supporting both their pursuit of victory and building a lasting camaraderie that embodies the spirit of Virginia Tech athletics.
