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Hokies Dominate Syracuse 77-57, Secure Crucial Quad 1 Win

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 23:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Virginia Tech women's basketball team is rapidly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and their convincing 77-57 victory over Syracuse on Wednesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome serves as compelling evidence. The win, classified as a crucial "Quad 1" victory under the NCAA's NET ranking system, significantly bolsters the Hokies' tournament resume and highlights their potential for a deep postseason run.

Elizabeth Kitley, the Hokies' dominant center, once again led the charge, posting a commanding 19 points and 10 rebounds - her seventh double-double of the season. Kitley's consistent performance is the cornerstone of Virginia Tech's success, providing a reliable scoring threat and a formidable presence in the paint. Supporting Kitley was Carleigh Yarro, who contributed a highly efficient 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, demonstrating her growing confidence and offensive capability. Cayla King rounded out the key contributors with 11 points and 5 assists, showcasing her playmaking skills and ability to facilitate the offense.

While the final score suggests a comfortable victory, the Hokies faced offensive challenges in the first half, shooting a modest 35.7% from the field. Syracuse, a traditionally tough opponent on their home court, managed to stay within striking distance, preventing Virginia Tech from establishing a significant lead early on. However, the turning point of the game came in the third quarter, where Virginia Tech dramatically tightened its defense and unlocked its offensive potential. A stunning 26-10 run in the third period swung the momentum decisively in favor of the Hokies, giving them a commanding lead that Syracuse struggled to overcome.

The fourth quarter wasn't a Syracuse comeback attempt, but rather a continuation of Virginia Tech's dominance. The Hokies shot an impressive 66.7% from the field, showcasing improved shot selection and execution. Syracuse, unable to match Virginia Tech's offensive firepower and defensive intensity, ultimately succumbed to a 20-point defeat.

Head coach Kenny Brooks emphasized the importance of defensive adjustments at halftime. "I thought our defense was really good tonight," Brooks stated. "We made some adjustments at halftime, and our players executed them perfectly." This speaks to Brooks' coaching acumen and the team's ability to adapt and implement strategic changes during the game - a hallmark of successful programs.

This victory pushes Virginia Tech's overall record to an impressive 13-3, and importantly, improves their ACC record to 4-2. In a competitive ACC landscape, every conference win is vital, and this result positions the Hokies favorably as they continue their pursuit of a top seed in the conference tournament. Syracuse, meanwhile, falls to 11-6 overall and 2-4 in ACC play, highlighting the widening gap between the two programs.

The Hokies' performance is especially noteworthy considering the challenging nature of the ACC. The conference is consistently ranked among the top basketball conferences in the nation, featuring perennial powerhouses like NC State, Louisville, and Notre Dame. To secure a Quad 1 win on the road against a capable Syracuse team demonstrates Virginia Tech's legitimate aspirations to compete for the ACC title and earn a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

Looking ahead, Virginia Tech returns home to face Boston College on Sunday. This game presents another opportunity for the Hokies to build on their momentum and continue their climb in the ACC standings. While Boston College will undoubtedly pose a challenge, the confidence and momentum generated from the Syracuse victory should serve the Hokies well as they aim to maintain their winning trajectory.