Collegiate Times

The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team ended the regular season with heartbreak, losing to in-state rival Virginia, 73-71 in overtime.

It was a disappointing Senior Day for Tech’s seniors. Guard Nikki Davis, forward Brittany Gordon and forward Elizabeth Basham have failed to beat the Cavaliers during their four years as Hokies.

In addition, Tech’s seniors are without any postseason appearances. The last time the Hokies made the National Invitation Tournament was in 2007, and the Hokies haven’t been to the Big Dance since 2006.

“Last year we were eligible (for the NIT) but our administration opted not to put in a bid,” said head coach Beth Dunkenberger. “The year before they let us apply for it but they didn’t let us apply for our home seed. So teams with some higher RPIs than us actually got in because they agreed to host. So that’s frustrating and disappointing.”

The Hokies ended the regular season with an overall record of 11-18, tallying just one Atlantic Coast Conference win.

“We struggled with being consistent. We had a few mental breaks mid-season,” Gordon said.  

Gordon, a three-year starter for the Hokies, averaged just 4.4 points per game this season, compared to the 6.4 points per game she scored a year ago.

Davis, fellow senior and three-year starter, averaged 7.5 points per game as a sophomore. This season, Davis averaged 6.1 points per game, her lowest average of her three seasons as a Hokie starter.

According to Davis, the lack of consistency Tech faced this year may be due in part to the youth of the team. With just four upperclassmen, the Hokies are without the experience and maturity they have had in the past.  

However, the underclassmen have had success, specifically sophomore guard Alyssa Fenyn and freshman guard Monet Tellier. Fenyn averages 9.6 points per game, while Tellier averages 8.1 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game. Additionally, Tellier was named ACC Rookie of the Week in December.

According to both Davis and Gordon, the underclassmen have a bright future ahead.

“It’s just a matter of time before they all mesh together,” Davis said.

Despite difficulties, the seniors have continued to demonstrate perseverance throughout this season.

“It’s been a tough year, we’ve lost a lost of games and sometimes when you lose a lot of games teams will get discouraged,” Dunkenberger said. “There was not one hint of give-up in this team.”

Even with Tech’s dismal ACC record (1-13), the Hokies have battled tremendously this season. Tech held No. 3 Duke to just 57 points at home, and last week gave No. 15 Maryland a scare at College Park.

Tech’s overtime loss to Virginia on Sunday showed just how far the Hokies have come. Earlier this year in Charlottesville, Tech was pounded by its archrival, losing 72-37.

“We’ve gotten better after each game that we’ve played,” Gordon said.

Thursday the Hokies travel to Greensboro, N.C. for the ACC Tournament to take on Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets ranked fifth in the ACC, while the Hokies came in dead last.

The winner of the ACC Tournament will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Although unlikely, the Hokies have nothing to lose and have a chance at pulling off some upsets this weekend.

Tech remains confident heading into Thursday’s game. For the seniors, it’s their last opportunity to make a name for themselves and establish credibility for Tech basketball.

“I’m anxious to go to the ACC Tournament. I’m anxious to get some wins there,” Gordon said.

“This could be my last game and my last tournament,” Davis said. “It’s just a matter of playing together, bringing intensity, playing with your heart and passion. “

The Hokies take on the Yellow Jackets this Thursday at the Greensboro Coliseum in the first round of the ACC Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m., and the game will be broadcasted on Raycom Sports Network. 

A version of this article appeared in the Mar 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.