January 4, 2026
By: Robyn White
The University of Louisville women’s basketball team delivered an emphatic performance on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies 85–60 at the KFC Yum! Center to stay perfect in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Cardinals Take Control Early
From the opening tip, the No. 13 Louisville Cardinals set the tone with aggressive offense and suffocating defense. Louisville jumped out to an early lead, scoring 19 first-quarter points compared to Virginia Tech’s 12. By halftime, the Cardinals had extended their advantage to 44–27, fueled by hot shooting from beyond the arc and strong rebounding.
The Cardinals finished with 47% shooting from the field and 11-of-19 from three-point range, with balanced scoring across the roster. Louisville also dominated the glass, finishing with a 41–34 edge on the boards.
Ziegler Leads the Charge
Senior standout Laura Ziegler led Louisville with 18 points and nine rebounds, pacing the Cardinals offensively throughout the contest. Supporting her effort was Imari Berry, who contributed 13 points off the bench, and strong contributions from several other players who finished in double figures.
Louisville’s offense remained sharp in the second half, outscoring Virginia Tech in each quarter and maintaining control even as the Hokies made brief runs. A critical stretch in the fourth quarter, including a three-point play by Skylar Jones and a pull-up jumper from Berry, pushed the Cardinals’ lead back above 27 points.
Hokies Struggle from Deep
Virginia Tech fought hard but was unable to keep pace, especially from long range. The Hokies went 0-for-16 from three-point territory, a stark contrast to Louisville’s perimeter success. Virginia Tech was led by Carys Baker with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Samyha Suffren added 14 points and seven rebounds.
Milestone Victory for Coach Walz
The win marked a significant career milestone for Head Coach Jeff Walz, as it was his 500th victory at Louisville, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s most successful leaders. The occasion was celebrated with an enthusiastic crowd and recognition from the home fans at the Yum! Center.
What’s Next for Louisville
With the victory, Louisville improved to 14–3 overall and 4–0 in ACC play, extending their winning streak. The Cardinals will look to keep their momentum going as they prepare to face Miami on the road in their next conference matchup.
Photos by: Roscelle Griffin
Roscelle Griffin, a talented photographer from Johnson City, Tennessee, excelled as a women’s basketball player at the University of Louisville. Her passion for photography, ignited by her grandmother’s gift of a Polaroid camera, now drives her to capture moments that transport viewers into a world of boldness and excitement. Roscelle’s media company, 502 Media Now, specializes in sports videography and photography, showcasing the dynamic world of sports while also excelling in real estate, headshots, weddings, and events.
