Virginia Opens Roussell Era With 87-45 Win Over UMES
Virginia women’s basketball defeated Maryland-Eastern Shore 87-45 on November 2 to open its 2026-27 season and Aaron Roussell’s tenure as coach.
Virginia built a 43-19 halftime lead and cruised to an 87-45 victory over Maryland-Eastern Shore on November 2, opening the 2026-27 season with a dominant performance. The Cavaliers committed 17 turnovers, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Fourth-year guard Kymora Johnson led Virginia with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting, adding four assists, four rebounds and two steals in 27 minutes. She made one of four three-point attempts and was charged with three fouls. Mary-Anna Asare contributed 10 points, easing questions about how the two guards would fit together despite both preferring to handle the ball.
Breona Hurd recorded a double-double and five steals, though she shot 4-for-12, including 1-for-5 from three-point range, and had five turnovers and three fouls. Caterina Piatti and Janae Walker combined for 10 points and four rebounds. Virginia will continue working to define its rotation, with questions remaining about the roles of Olivia McGhee and Adeang Ring, as well as how Tabitha Amanze will fit when she returns. The season opener offered an early look, but it may take several weeks for the rotation to settle.