Virginia Tech Overpowers Gardner-Webb for Third Straight Victory Behind Five Double-Figure Scorers

BLACKSBURG, Va. — For the third time in as many games, the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team walked off the Cassell Coliseum floor with a convincing win—this time an 87-51 victory over Gardner-Webb. Despite a slow start offensively, the Hokies’ depth, size, and relentless energy fueled a dominant performance that featured five players scoring in double figures and a commanding 54–27 rebounding advantage, 30 offensive rebounds!

Virginia Tech (3–0) shook off early shooting woes with a decisive 17–3 run to close the first quarter. From that moment on, the Hokies dictated tempo, controlled the interior, and used their physicality to break open a game that Gardner-Webb never truly threatened.

“We improved from a couple days ago,” head coach Megan Duffy said postgame. “Our energy was good, and seeing five players in double figures shows the balance and depth we’re trying to build.”

Balanced Scoring Leads the Way

The Hokies’ offense came from everywhere. Samyha Suffren continued her inspiring return from last year’s injury, scoring a career-high 17 points and knocking down multiple threes with confidence. Her impact was felt beyond scoring—her defensive spark set the tone.

“She’s our spark,” transfer Mel Daley said. “She’s aggressive, she’s energized, and she gets everyone locked in on defense.”

Daley delivered her strongest performance yet as a Hokie, scoring 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including her lone attempt from deep. Efficient and poised, she powered Virginia Tech through early offensive stagnation.

In the paint, Kilah Freelon delivered a breakout night, recording 12 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, marking the sixth double-double of her career. Eleven of those rebounds came in the first half as she imposed herself physically against Gardner-Webb’s zone.

“I just try to help my team however I can—running the floor, rebounding,” Freelon said. “The double-doubles come from my teammates encouraging me to look to score and be aggressive.”

Junior guard Carleigh Wenzel added 12 points, continuing her reliable perimeter shooting with two more threes. Carys Baker contributed 10 points, giving Tech yet another consistent offensive option.

Mackenzie Nelson and Spela Becelj both hit their first three pointers of the season, bringing excited reactions from the bench. Leila Wells tossed in a three of her own for three points.  Kayl Peterson was her usual steady self, scoring seven points and grabbing five rebounds.  Sophie Swanson scored four points off two free throws and a niffy drive in traffic for a layup. Amani Jenkins added two free throws to round out the scoring.

Defense Sets the Tone

While shots took time to fall, the Hokies’ defense never wavered. They held Gardner-Webb to under 30% shooting in the first half and totaled 31 first-half rebounds, turning misses into transition opportunities.

This season, Virginia Tech has allowed only one opponent to surpass 50 points—a testament to their length, communication, and disciplined rotations.

The Hokies also unveiled their own full-court press in the first quarter, causing turnovers and injecting energy into the building.

“We’re long, we’re quick, and we can cause a lot of disruption,” Daley said. “When we run, we’re dangerous.”

Tech converted Gardner-Webb’s mistakes into 28 points off turnovers, compared to just six the other way.

Handling Pressure, Controlling the Game

Gardner-Webb mixed in full-court pressure throughout the night, but the Hokies displayed poise, committing only four turnovers through three quarters and finishing with just eight.

“That might have been my favorite stat of the game,” Duffy said. “We emphasized being fundamentally sound. With multiple ball handlers on the floor, we handled the press well and shared the ball.”

Her team’s discipline showed—quick passes, decisive cuts, and smart reads neutralized the Bulldogs’ pressure and often created open looks on the other end

Second-Half Surge

The only negative is the the three ball would not go down for the Hokies for most of the night. After shooting just 35% from the field and 17% from three in the first half, the Hokies found their rhythm after the break. They improved to 38% inside the arc and 25% from three, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

Even when shots did not fall, Tech’s relentless rebounding and paint touches ensured Gardner-Webb never trimmed the deficit.

“We knew their zone would give us good looks early in the shot clock,” Duffy said. “The key was getting enough paint touches to balance our threes.”

Quotes That Defined the Night

On Freelon’s 18-rebound performance

“She reminded me of Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh—just bouncing around, making plays for teammates,” Duffy joked. “She was excited to be back out there.”

On Virginia Tech’s depth

“You never know who it’s going to be,” Daley said. “It keeps defenses guessing, and it keeps us energized.”

On handling Gardner-Webb’s pressure

“Composure,” Freelon said. “Knowing where each person is, communicating, and being decisive.”

On Suffren’s breakout night

“She’s been through a lot,” Duffy said. “This was the first night she really looked like herself again.”

A Quick Turnaround Ahead

The Hokies will have little time to celebrate. With Coastal Carolina up next Saturday afternoon, the focus shifts to preparation for a team known for its defensive intensity and extensive pressure packages.

“The quick turnaround is intentional,” Duffy said. “It prepares us for tournament play. Every opponent so far has had a unique style, and that will help us grow.”

A Confident, Deep, and Dangerous Hokies Squad

Three games in, Virginia Tech has shown flashes of what could make them one of the ACC’s most complete teams: depth at every position, elite rebounding, disruptive defense, and a roster filled with players capable of leading the scoring column on any given night.

If Tonight’s performance is any indication, the Hokies are not just winning, they are building an identity.

And with five players in double figures, a double-double machine in the paint, and a fast-rising star returning from injury, that identity is becoming clearer by the game.