Hokies Crush Marshall In 92-49 Win

Carter Hill

Editor-in-Chief

March 22, 2024

It was a team effort in Virginia Tech's win over Marshall. (Virginia Tech Athletics)

BLACKSBURG – Friday, No. 4 seed Virginia Tech used a 24-2 run to hammer No. 13 seed Marshall 92-49 inside Cassell Coliseum. 

The Hokies (25-7) were paced by a big-time 21 points from sharpshooter Matilda Ekh, who knocked down five threes over the course of the afternoon. Tech shot 53.8% (28-of-52) for the game and 43.5% (10-of-23) from three, while the Herd (26-7) only went a mere 24.4% (19-of-78) from the field and 6-of-41 (14.6%) from downtown. 

Missing star center Liz Kitley, who announced on Thursday she will miss the NCAA Tournament with a torn ACL, freshman Clara Strack stepped up in her absence.

The Buffalo, N.Y., native scored 17 points over the course of the contest, going 7-of-7 from the floor and grabbing five rebounds in her first-career start. 

Carleigh Wenzel also contributed with a career-high 13 points, dishing out seven assists and facilitating the offense as well during her time on the floor.

That was crucial, too. Standout guard Georgia Amoore was plagued by foul trouble, playing just 20 minutes in the 44-point win.

Elsewhere, Cayla King scored 10 points, Amoore and Rose Micheaux had nine, Olivia Summiel put up seven (with 14 rebounds) and Carys Baker tallied six. 

The Hokies also were 26-of-31 (83.9%) from the line and grabbed 38 defensive boards. 

All in all, all things considered, this is an encouraging win for Virginia Tech. With no Kitley, a limited Amoore and other outside adversity, this was as impressive as it gets against the Sun Belt champions. 

The Hokies will advance to the second-round on Sunday afternoon to face off against the winner of No. 12 seed Vanderbilt and No. 5 seed Baylor. Tip time is still yet to be determined.