SAN ANTONIO, Tx. – UPDATE:
No. 7 Virginia Tech defeated No. 10 Marquette, 70-63 in the First Round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament. The win proved to be the Hokies’ first Tournament win since a First Round victory over Missouri in 2006.
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While Virginia Tech led the ACC in three-point shooting, they shot a dismal 25 percent from beyond the arc. But, the inside game from Elizabeth Kitley was stellar. She scored 7 of the team’s first 9 points, finishing the game with a total of 23 points, 3 blocks and 8 rebounds.
Aisha Sheppard struggled to find her shooting stroke, but the Hokies had contributions from Azana Baines and Georgia Amoore, who combined for 28 points.
For the Golden Eagles, Lauren Van Kleunen had the hot hand early, tallying 8 points. They had 3 players to score in double figures.
The Hokies were locked in defensively, forcing 14 turnovers and turning them into 12 points. But the Golden Eagles put together a late 14-2 run to come within three points of the lead.
Virginia Tech advances to the Second Round where they will face the winner of the (2) Baylor vs. (15) Jackson State matchup.
Seventh-seeded Virginia Tech had a big contribution from Elizabeth Kitley--13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks--to give them a 32-21 halftime lead over No. 10 Marquette.
The Golden Eagles committed 13 in the first half but found a spark behind Lauren Van Kleunen, who tallied 8 points and 4 rebounds.
Virginia Tech didn’t have the greatest shooting performance at the start, just 2-of-9 from three-point range, but have remained active on the defensive end which has led to more offensive opportunities. This is the first-ever meeting between the Hokies and Golden Eagles. It’s also the first NCAA Tournament appearance for Virginia Tech since 2006 and first under head coach Kenny Brooks.