The Virginia Union University women's basketball team's remarkable run in the 2024-25 CIAA Tournament came to a heartbreaking end on Friday, February 28, with a 62-53 loss to Fayetteville State University in the semifinals, held in Baltimore, Md.

Despite the tough defeat, the Panthers finished the season with an impressive 21-7 record, marking a solid performance for the team throughout the year.

Leading the way in scoring for the Panthers was Nevaeh Reaves, who posted 16 points in the game, demonstrating her consistency and offensive prowess. Rori Cox contributed 12 points, while Tatiana Jones added 11, with both players giving it their all to keep the team in the game.

On the defensive side, Maia Charles stood out as the leading rebounder, grabbing 10 boards. Her efforts in securing possession for the team played a crucial role in keeping Virginia Union in the contest.

Head Coach Tierra Terry reflected on the team's journey after the game, expressing her gratitude and pride in the squad's accomplishments:
"I would like to thank God for the ups and downs, the good and the bad, and for the lessons that He's instilled in us. He took us this far, so I can't be too upset about it. I'm still proud of this team. 21 wins is a great accomplishment. I'm really proud of these young women, even though we started off with a really bad first quarter. But I was really proud of them for fighting as hard as they did. They never gave up."

Though the Panthers fell short of reaching the championship game, their performance throughout the season and in the tournament is a testament to their resilience, talent, and determination.

As they look ahead to future seasons, the VUU women's basketball team has laid the foundation for continued success, and their journey in the 2024-25 season will undoubtedly be remembered as one of grit and heart.