Hokies Reign Supreme in Raleigh, Beat #3 Wolfpack 72-61

Some may consider the #16 Hokies’ 72-61 win over #3 NC State to be an upset (the Wolfpack were -4.0 point favorites according to Vegas), but after Elizabeth Kitley became the ACC’s All-Time leader in double-doubles and Georgia Amoore secured her 300th double double, this victory was just a regular Thursday night for the Queens of Cassell who seem to be making history on a regular basis.

After only winning by one in the first matchup between these two earlier this season, many thought this game would be just as tight in Reynolds, but after a physical first quarter the Hokies managed to maintain nearly a six point lead for the remainder of the ballgame.

Now, the Hokies have won four straight against the Wolfpack and have taken sole possession of first place in the ACC.

written by: Emma Ann Lay

 

It’s always a team effort, but last night’s success can be largely attributed to the offensive rebounding from Elizabeth Kitley and the addition of Clara Strack to the rotation.

“Liz loves playing with her…they have a really good connection, and Clara’s been able to adapt to play against quicker players [because of playing with and against Kitley],” said Coach Brooks when asked about Clara’s future in the rotation after such a successful night.

Strack was able to secure five offensive and three defensive rebounds playing alongside Kitley who became the ACC’s All-Time leader in double-doubles after securing 13 rebounds and 25 points on the game.

And that truly was what the game came down to: rebounds.

The Hokies out-rebounded the Wolfpack 48 to 31, including a 15 to 5 advantage on the offensive glass.

NC State came out strong with star player Saniya Rivers scoring 12 points early in the first half while successfully shutting down Tech’s Georgia Amoore’s offensive capabilities forcing her to go 2-7 from the arc, but the Hokies were simply able to find more success in the paint with Kitley and Strack.

The Hokies are now atop the ACC after defeating the Wolfpack and look to play Boston College on Super Bowl Sunday for a 1 pm tipoff in a sold-out Cassell.