Virginia Tech secures 20th win with road victory at Cal

Virginia Tech Hokies women's basketball captured its 20th win of the season Sunday, defeating California Golden Bears women's basketball 68-58 at Haas Pavilion to finish its West Coast trip on a high note.

The Hokies leaned on defense and late-game composure to separate themselves in a tightly contested matchup that featured multiple momentum swings. Virginia Tech became the third ACC team this season to sweep the California road trip.

After trailing 13-12 at the end of the first quarter, the Hokies found their rhythm in the second. California stretched its lead to five, but Virginia Tech responded with a 10-0 burst to seize control before halftime. Samyha Suffren sparked the run, accounting for eight straight points as the Hokies carried a 33-29 advantage into the break.

Virginia Tech pushed its lead to seven early in the third quarter, only to see the Golden Bears answer from the free-throw line to tie the game at 38. The teams traded baskets through the remainder of the period, and Kilah Freelon’s aggressive drive to the rim sent the Hokies into the fourth quarter ahead by one.

California briefly regained the edge in the opening minute of the final period, but the Hokies quickly countered. A 3-pointer from Carleigh Wenzel and a strong finish by Suffren restored the lead, and Virginia Tech never relinquished it. Down the stretch, the Hokies capitalized at the foul line, scoring 13 of their final 19 points from the stripe to secure the 10-point win.

Virginia Tech’s ability to respond to each California push proved decisive as it reached the 20-win milestone for the season.