BERKELEY, Calif. – Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball team secured their 20th win of the season with a decisive 68-58 victory over California Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion on February 15, powered by a career-defining performance from junior guard Samyha Suffren.
The matchup began with intense back-and-forth action, with Virginia Tech capitalizing on favorable early opportunities. Coming off the bench, Suffren emerged as the Hokies’ offensive catalyst, scoring the team’s final four points in the opening quarter despite trailing 13-12 after the first period.
When California built a 21-16 advantage in the second quarter, Suffren engineered a spectacular 10-0 scoring run with eight consecutive points, swinging momentum permanently in Virginia Tech’s favor. The Hokies entered halftime with a 33-29 lead they would never relinquish.
Though California won the third quarter numerically, Virginia Tech maintained their composure and held a narrow 44-43 edge entering the final frame. Suffren continued her dominance in the fourth quarter, finishing with career highs in minutes played (29:31), points (19), field goals (7-12), and free throws (5-7).
Beyond her offensive explosion, Suffren demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess, adding to her team-leading 44 steals this season. The junior guard credited head coach Megan Duffy with refining her defensive focus, noting that “offense will come naturally” when defensive intensity is maintained.
With this victory, Virginia Tech becomes the third ACC team this season to complete a California road sweep, joining conference powers Duke and Louisville. The Hokies improved to 20-7 overall and 10-5 in ACC competition. Supporting Suffren’s effort, guard Carleigh Wenzel recorded her 11th consecutive double-digit scoring performance with 15 points, including the team’s only three-pointer of the contest.