Coach Debbie Ryan and the Virginia women's basketball team earned a spot in the WNIT round of 16 Sunday after defeating Loyola 71-49 in Baltimore, Md.
Four Cavaliers (18-5) registered double-digit performances to propel the team to its second-straight triumph. Junior guard Ariana Moorer, freshman guard Ataira Franklin and junior forward Chelsea Shine each contributed 14 points, while sophomore guard China Crosby chipped in 10.
Virginia and Loyola (21-13) appeared evenly-matched until the Cavaliers strung together a 16-5 offensive outburst during the middle of the first half. By halftime, Virginia held a 15-point advantage against the Greyhounds.
During the second half, the Cavaliers shot 50 percent from behind the arc to cruise to the 22-point win.
Virginia will return home Thursday to square off against Boston College in the WNIT's third round. During the last matchup between the two programs, the Eagles dismantled the Cavaliers 73-50 after beginning the game on a 20-0 tear. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
-compiled by Stacy Kruczkowski
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