Coming off a season that ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to Oregon in Texas, the Virginia Tech women's basketball team will open the 2026-27 season at Cassell Coliseum on Monday night when they host North Carolina Central.
There was some big offseason change for Duffy and the Hokies this offseason with the roster with some players hitting the Transfer Portal and other out of eligibility. However, the third-year head coach added some key players through the portal herself, as well as getting one injured player back who missed all of last season: guard Katie Sears.
With the new season beginning on Monday night, here are three bold predictions for the upcoming season for the Hokies.
Carliegh Wenzel makes the first team All-ACC at the end of the season
Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Carleigh Wenzel is due for a huge season in her final season in Blacksburg? You might be thinking that this might seem over the top, but that's what a bold prediction is- over the top sometimes.
In 33 games last season, Wenzel averaged 31 minutes a game and 15.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. However, with Carys Baker and Mackenzie Nelson gone in the portal to Louisville and Clemson, respectively, Baker will be counted on more. Expect Wenzel to make her final season her best one yet for the Hokies.
Tennessee transfer Alyssa Latham averages a double-double
Last season at Tennessee, Alyssa Latham averaged just 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds for the Volunteers. Oddly enough, she averaged 8.6 points and 7.0 rebounds in 2023-24 at Syracuse, which are career highs.
With an expanded role at Virginia Tech this season, expect her to take advantage of her opportunity. More weight will be on her shoulders after fellow Tennessee transfer Lauren Hurst is out for the season with a knee injury, as Duffy reported last week. Latham was not used much at Tennessee; she will be at Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech makes the second round of the NCAA Tournament
The Hokies are hoping to be back in the NCAA Tournament this season for the second straight year under Duffy after missing it as the first team out in her first year in Blacksburg. They would love to get above of where they were last season, in the dreaded 8-9 game where if you win the first game, you get the top seed in your regional.
The ACC is going to be a gauntlet this season once again, and there are going to be several résumé chances throughout the winter, as well as Michigan State (potentially), James Madison, and Tennessee in the non-conference schedule. There is a lot of talent on the roster for Duffy, as she has done a nice job of retaining some key pieces along with Wenzel, despite losing Baker and Nelson.
The long grind of the season begins on Monday night at Cassell Coliseum against NC Central. Let the fun begin with a new college hoop season.
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