In a tightly contested game that featured 17 ties and 13 lead changes, the Louisville Cardinals women’s basketball team ultimately fell to Virginia Tech by a score of 81-79. Despite a valiant effort by Hailey Van Lith, who scored a game-high 29 points, the Cardinals were unable to secure the win. With this loss, the team is now 13-6 overall and 4-2 in conference play.
Van Lith, who played all 40 minutes of the game, was a force to be reckoned with on the court. She shot 10-26 from the field, including 2-7 from beyond the arc, and 7-7 from the free throw line. She also contributed 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals to the Cardinals’ effort.
Morgan Jones also had a strong showing, scoring 19 points on 7-11 shooting. She added 9 rebounds and 2 assists in 39 minutes of play. Chrislyn Carr contributed 6 points and 1 assist, while Liz Dixon added 4 points and 2 assists.
The Cardinals had a strong first quarter, shooting 7-13 from the field and 0-3 from beyond the arc for a shooting percentage of 53.85%. However, the team struggled in the fourth quarter, shooting just 36.84% from the field and 50% from 3-point range.
The game saw a total of 18 second chance points, 38 points in the paint, 5 fast break points, 16 points off turnovers and 17 bench points.
Taylor Soule led the way for the Hokies with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 1 steal, while Elizabeth Kitley added 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Kayana Traylor contributed 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal, and Georgia Amoore had 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Hokies had a strong performance from the bench with 5 points. The Hokies shot 50% from the field and 30% from the 3-point range. The team committed 1 technical fouls and scored 19 second chance points, 38 points in the paint, 4 fast break points, 16 points off turnovers. The Hokies are now 12-8 overall and 4-3 in conference play.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals showed determination and grit on the court. They will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next game as they continue their push for a successful conference play and overall season.
