PROTESTERS INTERRUPT VIRGINIA TECH’S INNOVATION CAMPUS OPENING
Megan Dahn | news writer
Protesters left after about five minutes and the ceremony continued.
On Feb. 28, protesters interrupted the opening celebration for the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, because of an appearance from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.
According to ALXnow, protesters handed out flyers to bring awareness to the audience about Virginia Tech’s association with companies such as Amazon, BAE Systems and Boeing.
The Innovation Campus was built for students studying computer science and computer engineering for both the industry and government.
The opening ceremony proceeded when the protestors left the building after about five minutes.
“It’s amazing, everybody wanted to be here today,” Governor Youngkin said on
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OPINIONS CARE TO RECYCLE, CARE TO COMPOST
Alexandria Lilly | opinions columnist
The myth that Virginia Tech doesn’t recycle has finally been debunked.
Want to have a big impact in just two seconds? View trash as something worthy of respect. Virginia Tech is committed to becoming a Zero Waste Campus by 2030, as part of its Climate Action Commitment. Achieving zero waste doesn’t mean the university will stop generating waste, but rather that waste will be diverted from landfills. This shift is crucial because it focuses on reducing the environmental impact of waste and exploring more sustainable disposal solutions.
Emily Williams, the sustainability manager for dining services, housing and residential well-being talks about the change in products that dining services use.
“One of the largest initiatives underway in dining is transitioning single-use plastics to compostable materials,” Williams said. “We use hundreds of different packing materials across our dining centers, so it’s a long-term project, but we’ve made a lot of progress. Most recently, all of our straws at dining centers have become compostable, not paper or plastic.”
This initiative has significantly reduced Virginia Tech’s overall waste. Additionally, food waste from some dining halls is collected on conveyor belts and sorted into three bins: compost, recycling and trash by dish staff. Trash is sent to dumpsters managed by Meridian Waste, while recycling is sent to a Roanoke facility and compost is stored in special bins on-site. Meridian picks up the compost from Dining Services daily and delivers it to a holding container at a physical plant. Virginia Tech’s partner, Royal Oak Farm in Evington, picks up the compost several times a week from the physical plant, turning it into soil for farming. In a full-circle process, Virginia Tech’s grounds facility occasionally purchases soil from Royal Oak Farm, where waste is transformed back into valuable resources for the campus. Since Virginia Tech manages this project, the university can sort its waste properly so that trash, recyclables and compostable materials are not mixed.
However, Williams explains that there is a disconnect in how waste is sorted within the Virginia Tech community, which creates
confusion about its impact.
“I’ve heard from my work in residential well-being and housing that some students think Virginia Tech doesn’t recycle, it just goes into the trash,” Williams said. “There’s a disconnect about where the items actually end up and we’re working to fix that.”
When trash, recyclables and compostable materials are mixed, the waste is considered contaminated. If roughly more than one-third of the waste is contaminated, it must go to the landfill instead of being recycled or composted. This is because recycling and composting facilities cannot sort out large amounts of contamination. To check for contamination on campus, a truck from Meridian Waste uses a visual inspection technique to assess dumpsters before picking them up. Based on the level of contamination, they decide whether a regular trash truck or a recycling truck will collect the waste. A lot of our recycling ends up in landfills because of our own actions, yet we still choose to complain about it.
This highlights the importance of properly recycling and composting. The individual may not be obligated to take responsibility for properly discarding waste, but there is great power when this responsibility is embraced. By reimagining waste as a resource — something worthy of respect and transformation — we can collectively have a positive impact on our environment by recycling and composting.
Addie Gaudet, the current team lead of the waste team at Virginia Tech’s Office of Sustainability, has been actively involved in projects aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing waste on campus. Race to Zero Waste and the Sustainable Fashion Show are two key initiatives that are a part of Virginia Tech’s projects. Both aim to engage the campus community in sustainability efforts by increasing educational outreach on recycling and zero-waste initiatives in fun, enjoyable ways. Gaudet spoke on these strategies and the importance of them.
“Participating in these initiatives doesn’t make things worse; there’s no negative side,” Gaudet said. “The biggest positive
is that you can only improve things. Having a strong recycling community and pushing toward a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t take away from your life — it contributes to a better future in the long run.”
Initiatives like the Sustainable Fashion Show demonstrate that what is often considered waste can be transformed. This inspires creativity and encourages individuals to take responsibility in recycling and composting materials, which is a fun way to drive an evolution toward a greener future for many. The health of our planet is at stake when considering the waste of materials, so we should treat recycling as a revolutionary tool in combating environmental degradation creatively.
Campus sustainability manager Nathan King reminds us how we can do good for the planet.
“Anyone, whether in a job or at home, can be a good steward of their environment,”
King said. “You can be a good steward of resources, whether that’s people, items or energy. We want students, faculty and staff to consider all these things when making decisions.”
So, how can you be a good steward for the environment in your everyday life? By giving more thought to recycling, composting and getting involved in sustainability efforts on campus, we can all help create a more sustainable future. Change like this can only happen through collaboration and unity — we must work together to care to recycle and compost.
ARMAHN RASSULI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Students can recycle a plastic cup from ABP in single-stream recycling bins placed around campus, April 17, 2017.
LIFESTYLES THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM:
THE 40-HOUR
WORKWEEK
BEHIND VT MEN’S BASKETBALL
Michaela Scott | lifestyles editor
Take a glance into the oft-overlooked lives of college basketball managers.
In the world of men’s college basketball, fans often focus on star players and celebrate the coaches. However, behind every practice, game and road trip, there are 10 students who rarely find themselves in the spotlight yet play a pivotal role for the men’s basketball team’s daily operations.
Throughout the year, student managers balance a series of responsibilities and follow a demanding schedule. Assisting the team, rebounding for players, wiping up sweat, charting statistics and filming practices are just a few tasks that keep them busy.
“No matter what time of the year it is, it’s a lot of work, but always a lot of fun,” said Conner Patrick, a senior sports media and analytics (SMA) major and student manager. “It’s all great hands-on experience if you want to work in sports one day.”
Throughout the regular season, managers handle everything from up-keeping jerseys and setting up practices to ensuring players stay hydrated and managing logistics on game days. They also analyze opponent strategies and ensure the scout team is prepared.
“During the season, student managers are looking at a 40-hour work week, in addition to their normal course load, because of how much you’re doing either in the arena or outside on campus trying to help out,” said Aaron Purser, a student manager and junior
majoring in SMA.
Purser explained that the preseason and postseason are a major time investment for student managers. Before the season starts, managers must attend all three-to-four-hour practices.
Purser also noted that student managers don’t necessarily get to attend Virginia Tech football games during the fall season. Instead, the team, coaches and managers tailgate outside of Cassell Coliseum to promote the athletics department, chat with students and clean up the surrounding area.
Another major element of being a student manager is traveling with the players to games, which are some of the managers’ most memorable experiences with the team.
With the University of California and Stanford University officially joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in August 2024, the men’s basketball team had the opportunity to fly to California to play two games on Jan. 8 and Jan. 11.
“The California trip was probably the highlight of my travel so far,” Purser said. “The whole trip was super fun because we got to go to San Francisco on an off day, go to Alcatraz and spend a lot of quality time together.”
Patrick mentioned that his favorite moment traveling with the team was in his
freshman year when the Hokies won their first ACC tournament title. He was brand new to the college basketball atmosphere and the day-to-day operations that go into the program, which made the victory even more thrilling.
“Nobody really thought that we had a chance to stay a whole entire week in New York City and go to the championship,” Patrick said. “That was such a historical, special run for our program that has never been done before, and being part of it was a really cool experience that I’ll never forget.”
However, both managers emphasized that the time commitment as a student manager can be a sacrifice. At times, Patrick and Purser will fly to a men’s basketball game in the morning and then fly back the same day.
Patrick highlighted one game against Boston College that didn’t start until 9:00 p.m. He explained that after only scoring 36 total points, the team had to immediately fly back and didn’t arrive until nearly 4:00 a.m.
With such hectic schedules, the managers admitted that staying ahead of schoolwork can be a challenge as well as maintaining a strong social life.Whether it means missing class or flying across the country for 24 hours, managers must be incredibly committed to their job.
However, Patrick explained that despite it being a challenge, learning to balance the work is all great preparation for life after college.
“I think the biggest challenge is probably time management, because although we’re student managers, we have the schedule of practically an athlete,” Patrick said. “You have to schedule your time around the team schedule.”
In addition to developing organizational skills, Patrick added that he’s gained interpersonal communication skills that he will take with him beyond college.
With his experience working with players from England and Nigeria, he has learned more about different cultures and different people. Patrick also said that the role teaches you how to work directly with a head coach in
fast-paced environments.
Purser noted that a rewarding aspect of the job is getting to work around “one of the best coaches in the country and best minds to learn from.” With career aspirations to become a coach one day, Purser views his role as a steppingstone toward his future goals.
Initially, Patrick came to Virginia Tech with an interest in broadcasting. However, after becoming a student manager and gaining firsthand experience in the operations and management side of athletics, he realized he didn’t want to be in front of the camera.
After discovering his interest in athletics management through his role with the team, Patrick is set to graduate this spring with his undergraduate degree. He will continue at Virginia Tech to pursue a master’s in business analytics and business administration.
The managers emphasized that no matter what career path you want to enter, being a student manager for a college athletics team provides lots of learning experiences and skills that can help students go down a variety of avenues.
Purser included that it’s critical to do the job for the right reasons, like working hard and learning from individuals around the court.
Although a student manager won’t get the “typical” college experience, Purser believes that the role provides unique opportunities, like the chance to develop friendships with players and fellow managers. He also said that it’s a way to stay around the game, make a lasting contribution for the team and create great memories.
“For anyone who is considering becoming a basketball manager, you must be prepared to work and make sacrifices,” Patrick said. “But it’s a really rewarding job with many special experiences, and an opportunity to make connections that can set you up for the future.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF AARON PURSER
VIRGINIA TECH BASKETBALL FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE CORPS OF CADETS
Bailey Miller | lifestyles contributor
For those who want to know more about cadet involvement with athletics, the answers are here.
Virginia Tech, formerly known as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College when it opened in October of 1872, originally comprised of only cadet students. The inaugural year welcomed 132 cadet students split into two companies. As of August 2024, cadet enrollment has grown to 1,300 students split amongst 15 companies.
As an integral part of Virginia Tech, the Corps of Cadets regularly participates in various university functions. One of the biggest ways the Corps of Cadets showsits school spirit and enthusiasm is by attending sporting events. Cadets are required to attend all home football games, as well as some men’s basketball games and wrestling matches.
“I had never been to a college basketball game, and I didn’t think I’d get an opportunity to as a freshman,” said Addison Dougherty, a criminology major and first-year member of the Corps of Cadets.
“When they told us the first time we were going, I was excited!”
Students in the Corps of Cadets have to regularly attend various training sessions and take Corps-specific coursework on top of regular academic coursework, which can be stressful. Sporting events, like basketball, are a good opportunity for these students to de-stress and simply have fun.
“I feel like it’s a good morale booster,” Dougherty said.“I enjoy training and all the things we learn during it to help us in our military careers, but everyone needs a small break once in a while and those sporting events are just what we need.”
Within the Corps of Cadets, the cadres work with and train new cadets. Cadres are typically serious and stern, but Dougherty shared that they can loosen up outside of training and have fun with newer cadets.
“We all like to make the most obnoxious noises to distract the other team, like
barking. Our cadre go crazy with us so it’s fun to just let loose and scream for the fun of it,” Dougherty said.
The Highty-Tighties are the Corps of Cadets’ regimental band. Established in 1893, they are the oldest collegiate band in Virginia and the longest-standing musical group at Virginia Tech. Outside of Virginia Tech’s campus, they have marched in 11 Presidential Inaugural Parades, six Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades and four Mardi Gras Parades. While on campus, the HightyTighties play at all Virginia Tech’s home football and women’s basketball games.
“The women’s basketball games are fun to attend and watch,” said Keaton Sanders, a junior majoring in computer engineering and a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Highty-Tighties.“They have a pretty good team this year, and bringing that live music to get the crowd moving is cool to be a part of, and is greatly appreciated by the team itself.
I enjoy that we get more time to play music during the women’s basketball games.”
Sanders shared that each year Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball team goes to the ACC tournament, a small group of HightyTighties goes with the team as their pep band.
“I’ve personally never done it, but from what the people who have gone said, it was a great time.” Sanders said.
“I hope the cadets do more things like this in the spring so we can support the other sports and get the opportunity to watch those sports we might not be familiar with,” Dougherty said.
Dougherty is optimistic that more fun-filled events are in the future for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.
SPORT TO-DOS BEFORE GRADUATION
Riley Thompson | lifestyles staff writer
Lifestyles writer Riley Thompson curates a list of athletic activities to check off at Virginia Tech.
Spring is right around the corner, and March Madness is coming up, which means it is the perfect time to get involved in sports. There is a lot of fun to be had with sports at Virginia Tech, and there are some things students do not want to miss out on before graduation. Whether students are freshmen, seniors or anything in between, current Hokies may not want to skip any of these sporty activities.
Coming to college after playing a sport all through high school can be tough, especially at a D1 school like Virginia Tech. It’s easy to get envious of all the athletes that continue to play their sport at a higher level, and that envy can worsen when students attend the games that they used to play. Whether students experience this envy or not, sport clubs are a great way to get active, have fun, and keep doing the sports they love. Virginia Tech has over 30 clubsports for students to participate in, including soccer, baseball, golf and more. They range in intensity from chill to hardcore — some, such as the swim team, even participate in national
level events. But if students are looking to try a new sport, many clubs will teach students how to play. These clubs can also further the development of an old sport and are something students should try out before graduation.
If students are looking for something more low-key to do with friends or strangers, intramural sports area great way to try out activities such as 7v7 innertube water polo, 4v4 wallyball and more. There are 13 different intramural sports to choose from for the spring. Registration is a one-time fee of $25. Teams who compete and make it to the final round fight for the chance to win an intramural champion t-shirt, a coveted garment at Virginia Tech. The final showdown for the shirt can get intense, so even if students don’t make it to the last round, cheering on the two competing teams can be fun, too. Plus, Rec Sports, which oversees all intramural sports, holds Pick’Em Contests for March Madness. If students like basketball, participating could be a great way to engage with the team from the sidelines.
Playing sports is only half the fun though; the other is watching them. Whether it’s football, basketball, softball, baseball or anything else, there are over 22 D1 sports to watch at Virginia Tech. Each sport is thrilling, but not all of them get the attention they deserve. If students really love sports, trying to go to one game of every sport could be a fun goal to chase after. By attending, students might take a liking to a particular sport and discover a new interest. Whether students go to all the sporting events or just one, supporting Tech athletics is something all Tech sports fans should aim to do. Another reason to go out and support the lesser attended games is that students have a better chance of being chosen to play minigames and win free merch. At games like football, the odds of getting chosen to play “Press Your Luck” are slim. But Tech doesn’t only do those minigames during football — they do them for a lot of other sports too, such as wrestling, volleyball and more.By going to events with lower turnout rates, such as soccer or lacrosse, fans increase
their chances to win merchandise. They also support underrecognized Tech sports, which is why winning or participating in “Press Your Luck” or other VT minigames is a must-do before graduation.
Getting the chance to win merch at a game can involve a lot of luck, so if that’s too much for students, another thing to aim for is to get on the Jumbotron. There are Jumbotrons at Lane Stadium, Cassell, Thompson Field, English Field and more, so there are multiple opportunities at different events to get on the big screen. The HokieVision crew is more likely to put their cameras on spirited fans, so make sure to bring all the energy.
Whether students like watching or participating in sports, this March is sure to be full of fun events. Make sure to stay hydrated and have fun this spring. The Rec Sports website can provide information for students looking to get involved with intramural sports.
HOKIES SOFTBALL NAVIGATES PEAKS AND VALLEYS IN FIRST DAY OF HOKIE INVITE
Thomas Hughes | sports staff writer
The Hokies outscored Villanova 25-8 in the series.
Eight home runs. That’s how many Virginia Tech softball launched in the opening game of its doubleheader against Villanova (6-9) at the inaugural Hokie Invite in Salem, Virginia.
Yet, despite the offensive explosion in Game 1, the Hokies (14-4) couldn’t complete the sweep. They run-ruled Game 1, 18-2 but fell short in Game 2, 7-6.
The Hokies turned to Indiana transfer Sophie Kleiman on the bump for Game 1 against the Wildcats. It was a solid performance — the pitcher allowed two runs and five hits but countered with a strong nine strikeouts.
Game 1’s first inning was quiet, but the second was anything but. With two on and no outs, designated player Emma Mazzarone crushed a homer to right center, bringing home catcher Kylie Aldridge and first baseman Michelle Chatfield.
Two batters later, right fielder Cori McMillan slammed a double down the right field line, scoring shortstop Annika Rohs to make it 5-0 Hokies. Left fielder Jayden Jones zipped a subsequent homer beyond the right-center
fence to score herself and McMillan.
Tech was just getting started. Despite Villanova swapping pitchers — Lexi Kobryn to Maddy Burns — the Hokies’ torrid stretch continued. They tacked on two more runs courtesy of another knock — this time, a double RBI into center field from Chatfield.
Bats stayed hot in the bottom of the third with Villanova on their third pitcher. Second baseman Rachel Castine cracked another home run leftcenter to make the score 9-0, Tech. With still just one out, the Hokies continued to pile on the scoring. Third baseman Jordan Lynch reached on a fielder’s choice single that allowed Rohs to score and bring the Hokies’ advantage to double digits. Villanova broke through with two RBI singles, but Tech kept rolling in response. Lynch’s RBI single scored pinch hitter Sara McNelly, then Bre Peck crushed a homer to center to cap the rout at 18-2.
The Wildcats went through five pitchers, and the Hokies rolled through the first four. The fifth pitcher, Kat Gallant, pitched against just one
batter. Chatfield, Peck and Mazzarone homered twice, while Peck led the team with five RBI. Game 2, however, was a different story.
With Mazzarone in the circle for the second contest, things got off to a rocky start. Though she retired Villanova’s first three batters, the top of the second wasn’t as fruitful. Wildcats’ right fielder Elaina Wagner went yard to left-center, then with runners on first and second, shortstop Ava Franz ripped a two-out RBI double.
But Villanova saved its next blow for the following inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, catcher Mackenzie Waghorn crushed a grand slam homer to right field, extending her team’s lead to 7-0.
A McMillan solo homer in the third got Tech on the board, but the Hokies still trailed by six and faced the threat of a run-rule defeat. Pitcher Cassie Grizzard relieved Mazzarone in the circle to start the fourth. Mazzarone exited with five hits allowed, seven earned runs and three strikeouts in as many innings.
Grizzard’s entrance would spark Tech
— eventually. The Hokies went down in order in the fourth, but the fifth is where they came alive. Rohs hit a single through the left side to score Lynch. A batter later, McMillan slammed an RBI double up right center, bringing both Rohs and Castine home to come within three.
The score held until the sixth when Lynch found her second RBI of the day, a homer to center that also plated Chatfield to bring the Hokies within one. But Tech wouldn’t score again, failing to put a runner past second in inning six and striking out quickly in the seventh to end the game.
Tech resumed the Hokie Invite on Saturday, March 1, against Penn State at 5:30 p.m., before closing out the Invite on Sunday with a doubleheader against James Madison (1 p.m.) and Radford (3:30 p.m.). Following the Hokie Invite, the Hokies will return home for a three-game series against Virginia, beginning Friday, March 7, at noon.
TECH SOFTBALL REBOUNDS IN DAY 2 OF HOKIE INVITE WITH 6-3 WIN OVER PENN STATE
Thomas Hughes | sports staff writer
Virginia Tech moved to 15-4 on the season.
It wasn’t the easiest game, but Virginia Tech got the job done. The No. 17 Hokies defeated Penn State, 6-3, on Saturday afternoon. It was a strong rebound for Tech (15-4) after a bizarre Friday against Villanova. After an 18-2 rout turned into a shocking 7-6 loss in Friday’s doubleheader, Tech wasn’t fazed, coming out on top a day later.
Emma Lemley delivered an up-and-down performance in the circle. She allowed three runs but struck out 12 Nittany Lions. The star pitcher surrendered two home runs after allowing just one prior to Saturday’s contest.
Lemley opened the game with two strikeouts and a single before forcing an inning-closing fly out. Tech’s offense then followed with an eventful first inning.
Right fielder Cori McMillan grounded out to second, then left fielder Jordan Lynch watched ball four to take first base. Catcher Kylie Aldridge followed with a flyout to center
field. Then center fielder Bre Peck walked, advancing Jayden Jones to second.
Runs came as first baseman Michelle Chatfield zipped a two-out homer beyond the right-center field wall to plate herself, Jones and Peck.
“We had a lot of fight in us, and I think it was a lot of punching both ways, and we came out on top,” Chatfield, who earned her fifth home run of the season Saturday, said. “I’m really proud of that.”
In the second inning, Lemley quickly struck out Penn State catcher Macy Chamberlin and second baseman Michela Barbanente before retiring left fielder Natalie Lieto with a ground out.
But the Nittany Lions quickly responded. A single from designated player Emma Mazzarone was the only hit Tech managed in the third. Second baseman Rachel Castine knocked a fly-out to right field, then shortstop
Annika Rohs grounded a double play to put the Hokies back on defense.
Despite windy conditions, Penn State got on the board. Its runs came courtesy of a two-RBI homer from right fielder Haylie Brunson. The Nittany Lions didn’t score in the third inning, but their bats weren’t done yet.
After McMillan advanced as far as third base, shortstop Kaylie Walters retired both Aldridge and Peck to get the visitors back on offense. Facing a 1-0 count, third baseman Maddie Gordon launched a solo shot to right field to knot the game at three.
But Penn State’s bats were quelled from there. Tech’s defense was electric, allowing just one walk and a hit over the next three innings.
On the other end, Tech’s offense was heating up at the perfect time. Facing two outs in the fifth inning, Peck cracked a double to center field to score Jones. Peck scored off
a fielding error on the subsequent at-bat to extend Tech’s lead to 6-3.
It would remain that way until the end of the game, capping off a solid bounce back outing for the Hokies. While Penn State isn’t ranked like No. 6 LSU or No. 22 Alabama, the Hokies took care of business and regained some momentum heading into Sunday’s games.
The Nittany Lions limited the Hokies to 2-of-15 batting with runners on base and 1-of-7 with runners in scoring position. But the Hokies did enough to walk away with the victory.
Tech’s last two matchups in the Hokie Invite are both against in-state foes: James Madison is first on the docket on Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m., then comes nearby Radford at 3:30 p.m.
SPORTS RENDER’S EFFORT NOT ENOUGH AS EAGLES EVISCERATE HOKIES LACROSSE
Virginia Tech (5-2, 1-1 ACC) entered Saturday riding a four-game winning streak, but No. 1 Boston College (6-0, 2-0 ACC) quickly reminded everyone why it sits atop the national rankings. In a lopsided 21-5 loss at Thompson Field, Virginia Tech struggled to keep pace as the Eagles dominated from start to finish.
For a brief moment, it looked like the Hokies might hang with the best team in the country. After an early Boston College goal, Lauren Render answered to tie the game 1-1 with just under 12 minutes left in the first quarter. That was as close as it would get. The Eagles responded with a six-goal run, seizing control and never letting go.
Thomas Bray | sports editor
Virginia Tech dropped to 0-2 against ranked opponents on the season.
Virginia Tech managed to get two more goals in the first quarter from Mia Pozzi and Sophia Trahan but still trailed 7-3 after the opening period. The Hokies fired 10 shots in the first 15 minutes, showing flashes of offensive promise. But once the second quarter began, those opportunities disappeared.
Boston College put on a clinic in the second quarter, outscoring the Hokies 9-0 while allowing only three shot attempts. The Eagles dictated the pace, dominating possession and stretching their lead to 16-3 at halftime. Rachel Clark led the charge with five first-half goals, while eight different Eagles found the back of the net.
It wasn’t just the scoring margin that told the story — it was how Boston College controlled every aspect of the game. The Eagles won 19 draws to Virginia Tech’s eight and outshot the Hokies 36-21. One-on-one matchups heavily favored Boston College, leading to nine unassisted goals. Defensively, Virginia Tech had few answers, allowing more goals than any other team in the ACC through seven games.
In goal, Aaliyah Jones continued to be a bright spot, registering nine saves. It marked her fourth game this season with nine or more stops, but the volume of shots she faced proved to be too overwhelming.
On the offensive end, Virginia Tech struggled to break through the Eagles’ defense. Render
provided the lone highlight, scoring her 28th goal of the season. She remains second in the ACC in scoring, just one point behind Clark’s 29. Boston College showed why it is the top team in the country, dismantling Virginia Tech in every phase of the game.
The Hokies will look to regroup when they host Mount St. Mary’s, an unbeaten road team, in their next matchup at Thompson Field.
HOKIES’ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STUMBLES AFTER CONTROVERSIAL CALL IN CRUSHING LOSS TO BOSTON COLLEGE
Thomas Hughes | sports staff writer
Carys Baker matched her career-high with 24 points.
Tech looked prime to pull off its ninth ACC win Thursday night, but after a contentious ruling in the third quarter, then fell to Boston College 92-89 in overtime.
Beyond the controversial call, three key statistical areas played a role in Tech’s defeat: fast break points, offensive rebounds and bench points.
Boston College gobbled up 18 offensive boards, turning them into as many points. Tech gathered 12 and tallied 11 points off them. While it isn’t the biggest difference, any addition would have helped in a game as tight as this one.
The Eagles held a clear 27-15 bench points advantage over the Hokies. This was courtesy of 22 points from forward Teya Sidberry, who also contributed 12 rebounds. Fast break points were the Eagles’ calling card; they held a 20-5 edge. Both teams came out of the gate firing on all cylinders. The Hokies (17-11, 8-9 ACC) and Eagles (15-15, 6-11 ACC) combined for 57 firstquarter points and 23-of-38 (60.5%) from the field. Guard Carleigh Wenzel and forward Carys Baker anchored the charge with eight firstquarter points apiece. Baker tied her career-high
24 points against Boston College.
The teams traded leads early, but with seven minutes left, a layup from Eagles guard Andrea Daley sparked a 17-9 Boston College run. By the end of the first quarter, Tech trailed by seven.
The second quarter was the opposite of the first — both teams combined for 25 points and 33% shooting from the field. Tech made just one of its five tries from deep but remained in the fight, ending the first half down by just four.
The Hokies didn’t reclaim the lead until early in the third, where they initially thrived. Throughout the frame, Tech shot an impressive 11-of-17 (65%) from the field. And fFrom the eight-minute mark, Tech struck a 12-2 run in 2:14 to take a six-point lead. But However, late in the third quarter, Tech’s momentum came to a screeching halt.
Driving to the rim, Wenzel took a hard foul from Daley. As the Eagles guard stepped over Wenzel, the Hokies guard grabbed her leg and was pushed to the floor by Boston College guard Savannah Samuel. After an official review, Wenzel, Samuel and Daley were assessed intentional or technical fouls for their roles in the scuffle
— and forward Rose Micheaux was ejected.
From that point on, Tech struggled to regain its rhythm, hitting four of its 19 tries (21.1%) in the fourth quarter and nine of 30 for the remainder of the game. Boston College wasn’t much better, shooting 35.3% from the field in the fourth, but it stepped up when it mattered most.
With eleven seconds on the clock, guard Dontavia Waggoner boosted the Eagles, drawing a Hokies foul and hitting both free throws to knot the game at 79. Guard Matilda Ekh’s last-chance shot, a contested layup in the paint, was no good, sending the game to overtime.
In the extra period, Boston College had just a little more left in the tank. Though Ekh recorded six points, and Baker added a jumper of her own, the game was tied at 87 with two minutes remaining. At 1:24, Sidberry drew a foul and hit both free throws. And though guard Mackenzie Nelson canned two of her own from the charity stripe, it was all for naught.
At the 49-second mark, Eagles guard Kaylah Ivey launched a rainbow-esque three-pointer, draining it to give her team the lead. Baker then
committed an offensive foul to give Boston College the ball. Tech’s defense came up in the clutch, however, forcing a shot-clock violation to get the ball back with ten seconds left. Though Baker found a good look, her shot missed and Ekh’s subsequent heave at the buzzer fell short, sealing the Eagles’ victory.
Losing to a team like Boston College, who won’t make it to March Madness unless they win the ACC Tournament, stings Tech’s resume. Combined with a loss in January to Syracuse, it drops the Hokies to the first team out in ESPN’s Bracketology as of Feb. 28. Though Bracketology isn’t official, it’s a solid gauge for Selection Sunday. Tech’s final regular season game comes against Clemson on Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m. The Hokies now find themselves in a must-win situation — beating the Tigers could be the difference between dancing in March or watching from home.
HokieConnections March 4th, 2025
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