BLACKSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Tech Hokies are advancing in the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament after a 92-49 victory over the Marshall Thundering Herd in the Round of 64 Friday.
The Hokies’ definitive win in the tournament’s opening round comes without star forward and three-time All-American Elizabeth Kitley, who is out for the remainder of the year with a torn ACL.
The Hokies, who never gave up a lead to the Thundering Herd, had a field goal percentage that was over twice that of Marshall’s, with 53.8% to their 24.4%. The Hokies’ three-point percentage was nearly three times that of Marshall’s, with 43.5% to their 14.6%.
Virginia Tech guard Matikda Ekh led the Hokies in scoring with 21, shooting 5-7 from three-point range and a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. She also grabbed three rebounds and a steal. Hokies forward Olivia Summiel led the team in rebounds and assists with 14 and five respectively.
Hokies center Clara Strack scored 17 points and recorded five rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Hokies guard Cayla King scored 10 points and recorded four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Marshall guard Abby Beeman led the team in scoring with 12 points, she also recorded five rebounds and four assists. Guard Breanna Campbell recorded seven points, four rebounds and two assists and forward Mahogany Matthews recorded nine points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Hokies will face the winner of tonight’s game between Baylor and Vanderbilt in the Round of 32.
