BLACKSBURG, Va. (Interstat) — A dominant first half propelled the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team to a decisive 82-59 victory over Coastal Carolina on Saturday at Cassell Coliseum.

The Hokies, improving to 4-0, exploded for 30 points in the opening quarter and led 53-29 at halftime, a margin the Chanticleers could not overcome despite a competitive second half witnessed by a crowd of 4,408.

Virginia Tech’s offense was fueled by a balanced and efficient attack. Carleigh Wenzel, a guard from San Antonio, orchestrated the offense with a double-double, scoring 23 points and dishing out 10 assists. Kilah Freelon, a 6-foot-1 forward from Denver, added 18 points and eight rebounds, while Carys Baker of West Hartford, Connecticut, contributed 15 points and six rebounds.

The Hokies capitalized heavily on Coastal Carolina’s mistakes, scoring 31 points off 26 Chanticleer turnovers. Virginia Tech also excelled at the free-throw line, making 19 of 22 attempts.

Coastal Carolina, which fell to 2-3, was led by Tracey Hueston. The Roanoke, Virginia, native scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed five rebounds in 25 minutes. D’Yanis Jimenez of Cape Coral, Florida, added 10 points and six assists.

The Chanticleers struggled with their offensive rhythm, committing more turnovers than assists and shooting just 8 for 19 from the foul line. Their efforts in the paint, where they outscored Virginia Tech 34-30, were not enough to offset the Hokies’ early surge and superior ball security.

Virginia Tech’s defense was also a key factor, recording eight steals and six blocks compared to Coastal Carolina’s five steals and two blocks. The Hokies controlled the glass as well, securing 11 offensive rebounds.

The game was effectively decided in the first 20 minutes. Virginia Tech built its large halftime lead with a 30-point first quarter, followed by a 23-point second period. Coastal Carolina found a brief defensive answer after the break, holding the Hokies to just four points in the third quarter while scoring 12 of their own, but Virginia Tech responded with a 25-point fourth quarter to seal the win.

Virginia Tech will look to maintain its perfect record when it hosts Niagara on Thursday. Coastal Carolina, after splitting its first four contests, will travel to face North Carolina State on Wednesday.