Confident Hokies Dominate Towson to Open 2025–26 Season Behind Petersen’s Double-Double

The Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball team opened the 2025–26 season with a statement win Tuesday night at Cassell Coliseum, cruising past the Towson Tigers in a dominant performance that highlighted the Hokies’ depth, defense, and renewed offensive pace.

Virginia Tech controlled all four phases of the game: rebounding, defense, tempo, and inside scoring, on its way to a 100–56 victory that set the tone for what could be another exciting season in Blacksburg.

Sophomore Kayl Petersen led the way off the bench, recording her first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs. The Hokies also got immediate contributions from fresh faces, including transfers Kilah Freelon and Mel Daley, who combined for 26 points in their Virginia Tech debuts.

Petersen’s Breakout Performance Fuels Hokies

Petersen, who has stepped into a larger role this season, looked confident and at rhythm all night, scoring efficiently around the rim and cleaning up the glass on both ends.

“It’s just about confidence,” Petersen said. “Freshman year came with some jitters, but now I’m back just getting rebounds and doing what my team needs me to do.’ My teammates were getting me open shots, and rebounding, “that’s my job.”

Head coach Megan Duffy praised the sophomore’s effort and growth over the offseason.

“There’s always a big jump from your freshman to sophomore year,” Duffy said. “Kayl fills her role so well. She rebounds, defends, stretches the floor, and tonight she did all of it at an elevated level.”

Transfers Freelon and Daley Shine in Debuts

Newcomers Kilah Freelon, a senior forward transfer from Texas Tech, and Mel Daley, a graduate guard transfer from Northwestern, gave Hokie fans an early glimpse of their offensive potential.

Freelon notched her fifth career double-double, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Daley contributed 11 points, including several mid-range pull-ups that ignited the offense.

“Kilah’s length and athleticism are game changers,” said junior guard Carleigh Wenzel. “Mac (MacKenzie Nelson) pull-up game is elite — she is confident and brings great energy. Both of them fit right in with our pace and defensive mindset.”

Duffy echoed that sentiment, calling both transfers “veterans who know how to play winning basketball.”

“They’ve played a lot of college basketball,” Duffy said. “Their experience shows. We are still figuring out rotations, but I love what they bring.”

Virginia Tech also leaned on its veteran returners. Wenzel and fellow junior Carys Baker, both entering their third season in Blacksburg, anchored the Hokies with strong rebounding and defensive leadership.

“We trust each other completely,” Wenzel said. “Whether it is me, MacKenzie Nelson, or anyone else pushing the ball, we are confident in our pace and our system. That makes our offense flow so much better.”

Though the Hokies struggled early, shooting just 20% from beyond the arc in the first half, they compensated with 41% shooting in the paint and a decisive rebounding advantage.

If there was one defining trait of this win, it was defense. Virginia Tech did not allow a single three-pointer in the entire first half and held Towson scoreless from three for the first three quarters. The Hokies forced multiple turnovers that led directly to transition buckets, sparking a 34–12 third quarter that broke the game open.

“It was all defense,” Wenzel said. “We picked up our intensity, made it tough for them, and pushed the ball. Defense fuels our offense. That is what changed the game.”

By night’s end, Virginia Tech led in rebounds, assists, steals, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage, underscoring a complete team effort.

Depth and Energy from the Bench

The Hokies’ bench outscored Towson’s reserves 19–41 in the first half, proving that the team’s second unit can keep up the pressure when starters rest.

Duffy said she was impressed by the way everyone contributed.

“You never know in a first game how the team will respond,” she said. “But we had players step up all over the floor. I was proud of how deep we were able to go and still play with that energy.

Samyha’s Return Adds Inspiration

Red shirt junior Samyha Suffren, who missed last season with injury, made her long-awaited return to the court, drawing cheers from the home crowd.

“I told her, ‘Have some fun. You’re back,’” Duffy said. “It has been a long road for her, but her energy is contagious. The more minutes she plays, the better she will get.”

Petersen added, “She is such a great person and worked so hard to get back.” She is going to be a huge piece for us this year.”

Looking Ahead

The Hokies’ up-tempo style — 76 total shots, only nine from beyond the arc — was intentional, and Duffy said it is a sign of how this team wants to play.

“We’re not afraid to push tempo,” Duffy said. “We will take what the defense gives us — some nights it will be threes, some nights it will be paint touches. Tonight, we did not need the three-ball as much.”

As Virginia Tech moves forward, the message is clear: defense and pace will define this team’s identity.

“If we stay healthy, the sky’s the limit,” Wenzel said. “We know what we can be.”

Final Score:
 Virginia Tech 100, Towson 56

Top Performers:

• Kayl Petersen: 17 points, 11 rebounds (first career double-double)
• Kilah Freelon: 15 points, 11 rebounds (fifth career double-double)
• Carleigh Wenzel: 14 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
• Samyha Suffren 12 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds
• Mel Daley: 11 points, 1 assist

The Hokies are 1–0 and will look to build on their strong start as they continue non-conference play at Cassell Coliseum, where the energy — and expectations — are already sky-high.