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January 30, 2024
Anindependent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY FROM THE CT
SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER OR AN EARLY SPRING?
PAGE 2 January 30, 2024
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NEWS
VIRGINIA TECH HOSTS ANNUAL GOBBLERFAIR Ava Garrison | news writer
The club fair was the last event for Involvement Week. This year’s Gobblerfair was held on Friday, Jan. 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Commonwealth Ballroom at Squires Student Center, according to GobblerConnect. Many organizations participated in Gobblerfair this year to attract student interest for the latter half of the academic year. Virginia Tech has over 800 student organizations, according to Student Engagement and Campus Life. The organizations bring “excitement, programs, and community to our campus.” Gobblerfest is a huge event at the beginning of the fall semester, geared toward inducting new members into the organizations that participate. In the spring, over 170 student organizations participate in Gobblerfair. Poorvesh Dongre, a doctoral student in the computer science department and president and founder of Dr. Ambedkar
International Mission (AIM) at Virginia Tech, had insight into Gobblerfair in comparison to Gobblerfest. “The easiest way that I can describe it is, it is a shorter version or a smaller version of what the Gobblerfest is,” Dongre said. “Because Gobblerfest is on the Drillfield, it is a much bigger event that allows many student organizations to represent themselves and the work they do. But Gobblerfair is just a smaller version of that that is done indoors at the Squires Student Center. Not as many student organizations get a chance to be a part of the Gobblerfair because of the low space. The ones that do also get a chance to represent their organization and the work they do. It is something like Gobblerfest, but on a much smaller scale.” Since Gobblerfair is a smaller-scale event, Dongre said that he expects less
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turnout than Gobblerfest, which his organization attended in the fall. Dongre also said that Gobblerfair is a wonderful opportunity for organizations to be able to put their name out and an event that students often attend, making it an opportunity to spread the word. Similarly to Gobblerfest, organizations have booths that students can walk around to, look at and speak to the members who are present at the event. Many participate in the same way that AIM does by having posters, free tee shirts and plenty of members involved to answer questions. In attending Gobblerfair, organizations present their work, spread their message and answer students’ questions. Dongre explained that this is one of the most important aspects of Gobblerfair. “In general, I am looking forward to talking to people, educating them, raising awareness about our community and our cause, letting people know that we also exist and this kind of discrimination that happens within our community in South Asia,” Dongre said. “Some of it also exists here in the U.S., and it needs to be addressed. Just raising awareness about
all those issues is something that I am really looking forward to.” G o b bler fair is an ex tension of Gobblerfest in which organizations can further develop their members, display their cause and educate the Virginia Tech community.
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January 30, 2024 PAGE 3
OPINIONS collegiatetimes.com
BRING SOCIAL ETIQUETTE BACK TO COLLEGE CAMPUSES Jenna Mason | opinions columnist
Holding doors for others, picking up trash and other courteous habits help improve campus life.
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ife on a college campus can be an intimidating experience. Some college students have a hard time being respectful and courteous to others, whether that’s because of their life at home or simply not thinking about how their actions affect others. Both students and faculty can bring courteous behavior back to campus by following basic social etiquette rules. Adhering to pedestrian etiquette rules is one way to make college life less stressful. According to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, pedestrian etiquette consists of conventions like walking on the right, not taking up the entire sidewalk, walking faster or moving over and staying off the phone. According to the National Library of Medicine, studies have shown a significant percentage of people are on their phones while walking on the street or sidewalk. As many as 84% of respondents talk on the phone, and 79% of respondents text or message on social media networks. Observations also show that about 22%
to 37% of pedestrians use cell phones while crossing a crosswalk. Looking at your phone while walking is a huge deal when it comes to college campuses due to the higher foot and vehicle traffic. Holding the door is another simple way to make life on a college campus easier. Studies have shown that holding the door can not only affect the overall mood of people but also impact the rest of someone’s day. The University of Southern California conducted two experiments where (1) the door holder would just hold the door or (2) purposefully drop pens while holding the door. The study found that the recipients of the holders who dropped pens were more likely to use a “pay it forward” mindset by helping the holders pick up the fallen pens. They also found that recipients of the people who were just holding the door were less likely to have a response at all. Holding the door for someone on campus could create a domino effect of kind gestures throughout campus, which in turn would
NANAMI NISHIMOTO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Students walking on the sidewalk and sitting on the bench by Duck Pond, Oct. 15, 2021.
make campus life a more pleasant experience for everyone. Students and faculty can also bring social etiquette to campus by picking up after themselves. No one likes to be on a campus where they see trash on the roads, in the dorms or in the dining halls. People in general don’t find dirty places to be a comforting or elevating environment. Picking up after yourself is a great way to ensure a positive atmosphere and general cleanliness. Many students tend to not think about how leaving behind trash or messes affect other people on campus. Taylor Farris, a student well-being leader and senior at Virginia Tech majoring in sociology, comments on why it’s so important for students living on campus to pick up after themselves. “I feel like it makes it a lot easier on our staff, for one, who are severely overworked as is,” Farris said. “It also makes it a lot better for the community because not everybody wants the hallway to smell like garbage or the lounges to be filled with old food.” Farris also suggests ways that people around campus could show their gratitude towards the employees of the dorms and dining halls. “The biggest thing is taking care of the community,” Farris said. “If you see something that you can clean up and it’s not necessarily yours and it’s safe to touch, you know, help (staff) out and pick it up. If you see (staff), talk to them. They’re people and a lot of times people just push by and don’t even talk to them.” It is one thing to pick up after yourself, but it is important that students show respect all over campus throughout the entire school year. “Try to be polite in your tone of voice when you’re speaking to people, especially with freshmen because people come in and they’re scared and they don’t really know what’s going on,” Farris said.
“Be nice, be helpful and keep in mind that everyone’s a student. You don’t want to be screaming at 2 a.m. outside or in the hall.” Although many people may not think about it, these small gestures can help you make it through your day because societal etiquette has an impact on everyone. Even the simplest of things, like holding a door for example, can change someone’s day in an instant. These rules are crucial to remember in order for everyone on campus to have a fun, safe and comfortable experience while they’re at Virginia Tech. The next time you’re in a social environment, whether that may be a college campus or somewhere else in public, try to remember some of these rules to brighten someone’s day and to spread some much-needed kindness.
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PAGE 4 January 30, 2024
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IS “STICK SEASON” GOING TO BE EXTENDED FOREVER? Emelia Delaporte | lifestyles editor Emma Duncan | lifestyles writer
Lifestyles staff offer two sides of the coin on Kahan’s upcoming album and recent music. When Noah Kahan stopped our scroll with “Stick Season,” no one quite understood how big of a sensation the Vermont singer would grow to become. Now, not knowing this iconic song has become almost impossible. After numerous re-releases and collaborations, our staff members find themselves in disagreement about when Kahan should change from “Stick Season” to the next season. Emma’s side I’ve been a first-time listener, a stuckon-replay fan, and now a skip-track music streamer of Kahan’s music. After two years of loving Vermont and seeing your mom, I’m ready for something different, something detached, something new. The timeline for “Stick Season” should stick to its namesake, the days between Halloween and the first snow, not a two-year era. The first “Stick Season” album met all of my expectations. I fell in love with Kahan’s ability to express vulnerability with an upbeat tune. I related to his music on a deeper level. The release of “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” in 2023 made sense to me, as “Stick Season” hadn’t finished telling its story. I think the deluxe edition, specifically “You’re Gonna Go Far” was the perfect way to close that chapter, but Kahan disagreed.
wasn’t rapping either. In Kahan’s newest release, “Homesick” featuring Sam Fender, I honestly struggle to make out what Fender is singing. “Northern Attitude” featuring Hozier was the only collaboration I enjoyed, as the singers complimented each other in sound and style. Looking ahead to the release of “Stick Season (Forever),” fans have guessed that Kahan will be singing with Olivia Rodrigo. Although their voices have already been turned into a mashup of “Stick Season,” I don’t think this is the best choice for Kahan. As a folk-pop artist, he has a unique opportunity to collaborate with lesser-known folk artists and advocate for his home genre. Instead, he is singing alongside the mainstream, which seems like a ploy to gain more fans. I disagree with the upcoming release of “Stick Season (Forever).” Its apparent purpose is to compile this journey into one, but having a music catalog already does that. I believe that Kahan is holding onto the “Stick Season” name and rereleasing songs to maintain relevance, but the success of the song that started it all has earned him a spot in the hearts of music lovers for years to come. I love Kahan for giving me “Stick Season,” I thank him for the growth it gave me, but it’s time we step into a new season. That doesn’t mean Kahan’s sound has to change, or that his fans will disappear, it just means new possibilities.
This album was an experience for Kahan alone to have with each listener, but this feeling was ruined when Kahan began re-recording some “Stick Season” songs collaboratively. Songs that had a single story were now told by multiple artists with new, sometimes worse, lyrics which changed the impact “Stick Season” had.
Emelia’s side While the original “Stick Season” album was the first of Kahan’s works that really catapulted him into the spotlight, he’s been churning out music since 2017. This raises the question of why he has fixated on the same set of songs for two years.
Kacey Musgraves’s feature on “She Calls Me Back” created an interesting storyline, but the vocals and tempo of the song didn’t match her natural sound. I felt the same way about Post Malone’s verse in “Dial Drunk,” which wasn’t quite singing, but
One theory could be that the societal pressure of “Stick Season” this, “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” that has prevented Kahan from feeling like he can move forward. If his other works weren’t as successful, and this album did so
great, what happens if he moves on? What if “Stick Season (Forever)” is the peak? Personally, while the threefold “Stick Season” albums have some of his best tracks, they do not wholly encompass the best of his work. For those of us who remember him from before TikTok brought him into the mainstream, we know he was good before “Stick Season,” and we know he can be good after. We still hope tracks from “Busyhead,” “I Was / I Am” and “Cape Elizabeth” will make an appearance at a current tour concert. We want to go back to “Maine,” and the lack of love given to his older music by the masses may make us feel a little “Hollow.” What, though, does come next? It’s not uncommon for music celebs to be constantly pestered online about putting out new music. If the comments on Kahan’s Instagram posts are any indication, though, people still seem perfectly content — excited, even — to watch the next collaborations and re-renditions of “Stick Season” coming to life. I find it hard to believe that a musician of such talent and dogged work ethic would settle into the same album for two years. Together Maybe Kahan keeps releasing “Stick Season” stuff because everyone wants him to, or because he wants to. Either way, it would be a perfect cover to keep people from asking what new music he’s working on. Maybe he’s closer to putting out a new album than we think. Whatever you feel about “Stick Season” and its upcoming third rendition (out Feb. 9), Kahan is a musician worth keeping your eye on for the future — or doing a deep dive into the past.
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January 30, 2024 PAGE 5
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MCCOMAS HALL Benjamin Gozzi | Lifestyles contribut0r
For new and returning students, read about the resources that Virginia Tech’s gym has available. suit the needs of the student. If you want to know where exactly you are on your fitness journey, you can sign up for an appointment at the Fitness Assessment Center. Looking to enroll in a health and safety certification course? McComas Hall has those too. Trying to nail that elusive personal best on a difficult bench press? Take a right once you check in to find benches as far as the eye can see. While often packed with students, McComas is truly a fitness enthusiast’s dream. McComas Hall is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For additional information on pool hours, please see the website. Hours may change based on holidays or observances.
BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES Two students sit attentively as the announcements for McComas Hall display on the screens around the studio, Feb. 7, 2017.
As students have returned to Virginia Tech for a new semester, it can become increasingly difficult to find time to enjoy what the campus has to offer. The pressure of new classes and new routines can be daunting. Combined with the cold weather, it can be easy to curl into a blanket and miss that one 8:00 a.m. that you don’t want to attend. However, if you’re looking to jump into the new semester by crushing your New Year’s resolutions, Virginia Tech’s McComas Hall is the place to be if you want to up your fitness game. Opened in 1998, the hall’s metamorphosis from a small health area to a fitness hotspot has revolutionized Virginia Tech. Located on the Washington Street and West Campus Drive intersection, McComas Hall is the premier fitness environment for anyone interested in achieving physical well-being. The area boasts a massive 87,000 square feet of equipment that can be used by any student.
Additionally, the gym houses two weight training areas, a cardio deck, three full-size basketball/volleyball courts, two fitness studios, a 25-yard pool, and a jogging track. In order to give McComas Hall a fair assessment, there are realities that new gym-goers should be aware of. With the perpetual closing of War Memorial Hall, the other fitness center on campus, many students have taken to using McComas Hall since it is currently the only open gym. This, therefore, leads to long lines for sought-after machines. However, McComas Hall is more than just a place to burn some calories or get your body moving, says Director of Recreational Sports Alison Cross. “As the Director of Virginia Tech’s Department of Recreational Sports, my goal is to create a space where students not only enhance their physical well-being but also cultivate great friendships and connections, forging a Hokie community where
lifelong well-being and personal growth intersect seamlessly,” Cross said. If exercising solo isn’t your style, consider signing up for a fitness class taught by any of McComas Hall’s excellent fitness instructors. Hosted at various times throughout the week, there are over 100 different group exercise classes students can join. Options like Cycle, Bodypump, Barre and Pilates allow students to not only close their Apple Watch rings, but feel confident and secure in a group workout environment. Be sure to check out Virginia Tech’s innovative F45 classes, a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that are sure to yield “sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun” according to the F45 website. If group classes are your go to, look for a group exercise membership that suits your goals on the Virginia Tech Recreation Sports website. McComas Hall is specifically designed to
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PAGE 6 January 30, 2024
APIDA + CENTER NOURISHES SELF-CARE AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING Michaela Scott | LifeStyles editor
Explore APIDA + Center’s well-being programs and inclusive events lined up this semester. The A sian Pacific Islander Desi Association (APIDA) + Center launched the first of their new monthly series on Jan. 23 in Squires Student Center, which focuses on self-care and community building. APIDA + Center is an educational, student-driven division of the Cultural and Community Centers (CCC) under Virginia Tech’s Office for Inclusion and Diversity. The center’s mission aims to raise awareness and educate people about APIDAs, comprising students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the community. APIDA + Center offers an inclusive space, welcoming anyone seeking to learn or engage in their events, programs and activities. “One of the biggest issues that students face is related to mental health, so having a support community is helpful, but within our community, it can be very stigmatized to go to a therapist or see a counselor,” said Teresa Wilson, assistant director of APIDA + Center. “We offer these events to talk in a welcoming environment because we strive to build that sense of self-belonging for students, which is so vital for their success. If you feel like you belong, you’ll be more successful and persist to graduation.” In December 2023, Virginia Tech became one of four institutions in the commonwealth to receive a $2 million, five-year grant, designating the college as an Asian American and Native American Pacific I slander - S er ving Institution (AANAPISI) by the U.S. Department of Education. To attain federal eligibility status as an AANAPISI, an institution’s student body population must consist of at least 10% Asian American, Native American or Pacific Islander students — Virginia Tech has approximately 12% of its student body who identify with these communities. The idea for hosting a makeshift nail salon emerged partly because of the grant which supports well-being and self-care; however, several other components factored in when developing this monthly series. “In addition to supporting self-care, the Black Cultural Center (BCC) also sparked
us with this idea because they have the Barbershop Talk Series and we wanted to find what our version of that looks like,” said Nina Ha, director of APIDA + Center. “The nail salon is also a very inclusive space because nowadays everyone gets their nails done. It’s gender, sexuality, class, race inclusive, so really anyone can join and be in community with each other.” Another incentive for this series is to educate others about the lengthy history of the nail salon industry, showcasing the significance that these businesses offer to society. Wilson emphasized that nail salons are widely stereotyped, despite their associations with APIDA community members and specifically with the Vietnamese population. “Nail salons put me through college because my mom was a nail salon owner and I have so many aunts who are nail technicians,” Wilson said. “This business is a way for folks who may not have advanced degrees to be part of a community, contribute to society and support their families.” Wilson added that next month’s edition of the self-care series will be scheduled for Feb. 14, and APIDA + Center will be viewing a documentary that delves into the nail industry’s rich history. In March, the organization will be collaborating with Radford University’s cultural center and the BCC to focus on beauty standards and navigate the question: Who’s defining what beauty means? In addition to the well-being series, APIDA + Center hosts several more programs that aim to nourish community members’ minds, hearts and bodies, including support groups and nighttime guided meditations. Many of the events are intentionally hybrid, and some are completely online because APIDA + Center aspires to foster an accessible community for anyone to attend. “Dr. Ha has a great partner and friend who leads our guided meditations and he is fantastic,” Wilson said. “I usually sleep a lot better the night after a session and also learn many relaxing meditative techniques.”
One of APIDA + Center’s biggest events is the 2024 Lunar New Year celebration, which is associated with the Asian American Student Union, Vietnamese Student Association and Society for Asian Scientists and Engineers. Ha highlighted that over 200 individuals attended last year, and she predicts there will be even more attendees to ring in the Year of the Dragon. “I have two sons, so this event is a way to help me as a parent show my children what our culture is like, even if we are extremely far from celebrating with our family,” Wilson said. “This is also good for students to connect about their shared holiday experiences, especially for those who feel lonely. Having those shared experiences makes you feel like you belong and have others that will support you, which is so crucial.” Ha explained that there is a great amount of administrative involvement that goes into bringing artists, educators, actors and other successful APIDAs to the center. During Virginia Tech’s APIDA Heritage Month in April, artists will exhibit their work in the Perspective Gallery, in addition to a showcasing on mixed-race APIDAs. “Last semester, we had an amazing Korean Theater group that came in to share their experiences on how they got into the arts, where they gained their inspiration in theater and the process for developing each theatrical character,” Wilson said. “Offering a space to have role models explain their stories allows for students to dream big.” APIDA + Center is already planning far into the future in hopes of continuing the success of its inclusive, educational-based organization and expanding its audience to greater parts of the community. Wilson included that she always tries to gauge what students need, but most of the APIDA + Center attendees will facilitate what they want the organization to offer. “In 2025, we have artists coming from Vietnam to highlight what they are doing and promote their work,” Ha said. “There’s a whole visa process, contracts and legal sorts of things, but the students are
excited about it and it’s a great way to be in community with each other which is what is important.” APIDA + Center encourages all folks to come by, check out the room and visit all the cultural centers at Virginia Tech. Ha added that people often believe they may not be allowed to enter, but the directors assured that anyone is always welcome through the doors. “Virginia Tech is unique because not every university has an individual center for each minoritized community, so we’re fortunate in that way,” Ha said. “We don’t gatekeep. Everyone is welcome if they are respectful.” For more information, follow APIDA + Center on Instagram and Facebook @ vtapidacenter.
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HOKIES’ BIGS GO FOR 50 IN MEN’S BASKETBALL WIN VS. GEORGIA TECH
January 30, 2024 PAGE 7
Dylan Tefft | sports writer
Mylyjael Poteat had a career-high 18 points. Virginia Tech men’s basketball forwards Lynn Kidd and Mylyjael Poteat led the way to a 91–67 win against Georgia Tech with 18 points a piece. Richmond-native big man Robbie Beran added 14 points of his own in the all-around win for the Hokies. Virginia Tech (13–7, 5–4 ACC) looked to hand Georgia Tech coach Damon Stoudamire a loss in his first game at Cassell Coliseum. A victory would also push the Hokies ahead in the in-conference win column for the first time since Dec. 3. Virginia Tech did just that — in big fashion. As soon as the second minute of the game, The Yellow Jackets (9–11, 2–7 ACC) had no answer for the Hokies’ big men down low. Kidd drained an and-one hook shot to award the Hokies their first lead of the game — a lead that Virginia Tech held onto until the final buzzer. “I see it about every game. I think we’ve
got a real advantage in the post,” said Virginia Tech coach Mike Young. “Throw the thing in there, they’re gonna make the right play. They’re doing it, and they do it every night.” Both Poteat and Beran scored seasonhighs in points Saturday night, with Poteat’s total tying his career high at 18. The trio’s impacts were not limited purely to layups and post moves, however. Beran pulled down nine rebounds, nearly cementing a double-double, and Poteat had two blocks and six rebounds of his own to accompany his scoring output. Even if the guards took a backseat against the Yellow Jackets, they weren’t just doing cardio. Guards Hunter Cattoor, Sean Pedulla and Tyler Nickel each shot 3-for-6 from three, propelling the Hokies to a 44% three-point rate for the game. Saturday’s game marked the fifthhighest percentage for Virginia Tech
beyond the arc this season. Pedulla and Cattoor led the Hokies with five assists each, one serving as a momentum booster in the form of an early-game midair dish from Pedulla to Kidd down low. Even faced with a 44–28 deficit at half Georgia Tech did not throw in the towel, fighting back to come within seven due to vastly improved second-half shooting. A timeout by Mike Young sliced this momentum, however, as a post-timeout Pedulla three kickstarted an onslaught of treys that allowed them to pull away. Georgia Tech shot just 29% from the field in the first half. They increased that to 47% by the end of the game. Freshman forward Baye Ndongo led the Yellow Jackets in scoring with 16 points, and added nine rebounds and two blocks in the loss for the visiting team. The win against the Yellow Jackets
awarded the Hokies their third straight victory — a streak that they hope to keep alive during the continued stretch of games against fellow ACC teams. Their next game will begin Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. when No. 22 Duke (15–4, 6–2 ACC) visits Cassell Coliseum looking to snap Virginia Tech’s two-game winning streak in Blacksburg.
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JESSICA ROSENQUIST / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies forward Mylyjael Poteat (34) dunks over Georgia Tech Baye Ndongo (11), January 27, 2024.
PAGE 8 January 30, 2024
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HOKIES TAKE DOWN SYRACUSE, TYING THEM FOR THE SECOND SPOT IN ACC RANKINGS Ellen Muldowney | sports writer
Georgia Amoore scored 29 points to lead Tech to a top-25 win. Thanks to Georgia Amoore’s 29 points against No. 22 Syracuse, No. 19 Virginia Tech women’s basketball took down yet another ACC opponent in a 75 – 62 victory this Sunday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome. This top-25 showdown puts the Hokies 7–2 in ACC conference standings, tying Syracuse for second behind North Carolina, who they will face later this week. Tech had a quick lead over the home team, relying on buckets from the threepoint arc. Amoore was hot off the jump, scoring three triples and two layups in the first quarter. Teammates Matilda Ekh and Cayla King also had success from the three-point line, contributing another three points each. All-American center Elizabeth Kitley closed out the quarter with an additional layup, leading 23 –9 against the Orange. Kitley had a much slower start than usual, gathering three turnovers in the first and shooting 1-for-5 in the first quarter. She would go on to be subbed out by freshman Clara Strack throughout the game. The Orange were able to slightly close the gap in the second quarter, with sharp shooting from Syracuse’s lethal guard trio, Dyaisha Fair, Alaina Rice and Georgia Woolley, who carried their offense to put up a combined 17 of 23 points scored for their team. They trailed the Hokies just 36–32 at the half. Virginia Tech continued to keep their lead in the second half, with Amoore continuing to deliver on the scoreboard with the help of Ekh, who contributed a total of 14 points throughout the game. The Hokies also excelled defensively, forcing 13 turnovers from Syracuse and keeping them to just 33.3% from the field. Forward Olivia Summiel was also a major defensive threat with her aggressiveness underneath the basket, collecting a game-high 12 rebounds. Although Kitley was not as effective on the scoreboard, she was still a major defensive contributor, with nine rebounds and two blocks. Maintaining their lead in the last
HAMAD ALHENDI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies center Elizabeth Kitley (33) takes a quick shot as she pulls away from her mark, Nov. 20, 2023.
quar ter, King was dominant on the offense, scoring another triple and two doubles. King ended the game with four three-pointers under her belt. The game concluded with two free throws from Amoore, solidifying a 75 – 62 win and breaking Syracuse’s six-game winning streak. Virginia Tech (16–4, 7–2 ACC) will be back in Cassell Coliseum to face Virginia (10–10, 2–7 ACC) on Thursday, Feb. 1, in the Commonwealth Clash. Tipoff begins at 6 p.m., where the Hokies will seek to continue their undefeated home game streak (11–0).
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