Defense Powers Hokies Past Loyola for 2-0 Start

BLACKSBURG, Va. — For a moment inside Cassell Coliseum, it looked as though the Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball team might be in for a long afternoon. The Hokies opened sluggishly, struggling to generate rhythm against a scrappy and physical Loyola Maryland team that refused to back down.

But just as quickly as the offense stuttered, the defense roared to life.

With a suffocating second-quarter performance that included a 14–0 run and relentless rebounding, the Hokies found their footing and never looked back, defeating the Greyhounds 64–48 on Sunday afternoon. The win improves Virginia Tech to 2–0 on the young season and continues what has been a strong defensive identity under head coach Megan Duffy in her second year leading the program.

“Every win is a chance to learn,” Duffy said after the game. “I thought Loyola played really tough. They challenged us physically, and that is great for us this early in the season. I love how our players responded — locked in defensively, trusted each other, and found ways to make plays when things were not as smooth offensively.”

A First-Quarter Grind Turns into Defensive Masterclass

Through the first ten minutes, the Hokies could not seem to buy a bucket, struggling to make shots. Loyola’s defense clogged the lane, forcing tough jump shots and limiting Virginia Tech’s transition opportunities. The Greyhounds led 16–14 after one quarter, holding the Hokies to just 31% shooting.

Then came the adjustment.

“We talked in the huddle about needing to be more disciplined,” junior forward Carys Baker said. “We were not playing at our usual pace. Once we locked in and started running our sets with purpose, everything opened up.”

Virginia Tech’s response was immediate. The Hokies opened the second quarter on a 14–0 run, flipping the momentum with smothering defense and quick outlets in transition. Baker and Carleigh Wenzel each hit midrange shots to spark the surge, while Kayl Petersen dominated the boards, finishing with nine rebounds and two blocks.

By halftime, Tech led 34–26 and had completely flipped the tone of the game — outscoring Loyola 20–10 in the second quarter holding the Greyhounds to just one made field goal over a six-minute stretch.

Carleigh Wenzel Finds Her Groove

After a breakout sophomore season, Carleigh Wenzel entered this year with a clear reputation: a sharpshooter with deep range. Loyola, however, came prepared to take that away.

“They ran us off the line more in the second half,” Wenzel said. “Coach told me before the game, ‘You’re not just a shooter — you’ve got more in your bag.’ So, when they chased me off the arc, I focused on getting downhill, making contact, and making plays for others.”

Wenzel finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and one steal, pacing the Hokies with steady scoring and relentless defensive energy. Her ability to adapt — scoring both inside and outside — reflected the offseason work she put in on becoming a complete, three-level scorer.

“She’s versatile,” Duffy said. “She understands that her game cannot just live behind the arc. I loved how she attacked and found ways to score when Loyola adjusted.”

Baker’s Physicality and Presence Shine

While Wenzel’s shooting stretched Loyola’s defense, it was Carys Baker’s inside presence that broke it apart. Baker tallied 17 points on 50% shooting, including several tough finishes through contact.

“I spent a lot of time this offseason in the weight room,” Baker said. “It’s made a big difference in being able to take hits and still finish plays.”

Baker’s growth was evident — not only as a scorer but as a defensive anchor. She battled consistently against Loyola’s physical frontcourt, forcing contested looks and securing key rebounds.

“They were really physical inside,” Duffy said. “Carys handled that extremely well. You could tell she is stronger, more balanced, and more confident in using her body.”

The Quiet Engine: Mackenzie Nelson’s 11-Assist Night

Every great offense needs a floor general — and on Sunday, Mackenzie “Mac” Nelson filled that role perfectly.

Though she scored just two points, Nelson orchestrated the Hokies’ offense with poise, finishing with a career-high 11 assists. Her court vision, particularly in transition, repeatedly set up open shots for Wenzel, Baker, and Petersen.

“Mac is one of our hardest workers and best leaders,” Duffy said. “She’s learning when to score and when to distribute, and tonight she made everyone around her better.”

Baker, Nelson’s roommate and longtime hometown teammate dating back to high school rivalries, echoed that sentiment.

“Mac works so hard,” Wenzel said. “She has always had that vision, and it is cool to see her confidence growing. She is the one who gets us going — the steady heartbeat of our team.”

Defensive Identity Takes Shape

For the second straight game, Virginia Tech’s defense was the difference. The Hokies held Loyola to just 1-of-6 from three-point range and zero fast-break points — a testament to their improved transition defense and communication.

“That’s something we’ve talked about since last year,” Baker said. “We want to be elite in transition defense — no easy buckets. We actually mentioned it in timeouts: ‘Hey, they still haven’t scored in transition.’ That is something we take pride in.”

Virginia Tech’s defensive intensity translated into offense, fueling their decisive second and third quarter run, helping them outscore Loyola over the middle two quarters.

Coach Duffy: “Wins Are Wins — But the Process Matters”

After the game, Duffy praised her team’s composure but was quick to note areas for growth. The Hokies committed 16 turnovers, several of which came from miscommunication on entry passes.

“Some of our turnovers were just bizarre,” Duffy said with a smile. “I am glad I can laugh about it now because I was not laughing in the moment. But that’s part of early-season basketball — figuring out timing, spacing, and accuracy. The good thing is those are fixable.”

Duffy emphasized that her focus remains on long-term development rather than short-term perfection. With five straight home games to open the season, she views this stretch as an opportunity to refine rotations, build chemistry, and prepare for tougher competition ahead.

“You don’t want everything to be perfect in November,” Duffy said. “You want to see your players respond to adversity, communicate better, and learn from every film session. This group loves the process — and that is what makes coaching them fun.”

Top Performers

Looking Ahead

With two wins in the opening week, Virginia Tech is building early-season momentum. Duffy and her players understand there is still much to improve — offensive consistency, turnover control, and late-game execution among them — but the foundation of a gritty, defensive-minded team is clearly forming.

“We know who we are,” Wenzel said. “We are a defensive team that loves to move the ball and play fast. When we do those things, we are tough to beat.”

Virginia Tech will continue its homestretch next week, looking to remain unbeaten before heading on the road later this month. If the Hokies can maintain the defensive focus they showed against Loyola Maryland, Cassell Coliseum might be the site of many more wins to come.