BLACKSBURG (Courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics) – Fourth-seeded Virginia Tech women’s basketball fought tooth and nail for 40 minutes at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum on Sunday night, but came up just short to fifth-seeded Baylor 75-72 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

It was a valiant effort.

Missing All-American center Elizabeth Kitley, Hokie Nation knew it was going to be an uphill battle, as the other players were going to have to step up in her absence against a Top 25 opponent, and they did just that.

Center Clara Strack, who really has come into her own this month, filled in nicely for Kitley, tallying a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, despite having to sit the bench a bit in the second half due to foul trouble. Guard/forward Matilda Ekh shined as well, owning a team-high 19 points, including four 3-pointers, six rebounds, two assists and a block.

All-American guard Georgia Amoore finished with 18 points and a game-high six assists, playing all 40 minutes.

The contest was back and forth all night, seeing 10 ties and the Bears’ (26-7) lead never getting above eight points. Both teams shot exactly 27-of-63 (43%).