Georgia Tech Falls to Richmond in NCAA Tournament, Eyes Future

LOS ANGELES — Georgia Tech‘s women’s basketball team found itself on the wrong end of a 74-49 score against Richmond during the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025, at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. After a season characterized by a strong start, including a 15-0 record, the Yellow Jackets (22-11) finished on a troubling note, losing six of their final seven games.

Head coach Nell Fortner acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but expressed pride in her team’s journey to the NCAA Tournament. ‘You hope it does [inspire growth]. Absolutely it should. It should drive ’em to be incredibly hungry to not ever let this happen to ’em again,’ Fortner said. ‘But proud of ’em for getting here. That was the goal. They wanted to make that NCAA Tournament, they were dedicated to it and I’m really proud of them for that.’

Despite their initial success, the Jackets struggled in their tournament matchup, shooting just 31.7 percent from the field and failing to contain Richmond’s more seasoned players. The team’s closing stretch raised concerns for a squad that began the season ranked as high as No. 13 in the Associated Press top-25 poll.

Richmond’s victory capped a season in which Georgia Tech ended with a sobering mark of 7-11 in its last 18 games, exacerbated by their 1-8 record against Quadrant 1 opponents. ‘I think we’re definitely going to use this as fuel,’ said Tech junior Kara Dunn. ‘Me personally, I know that I didn’t play the way I wanted to for my team tonight. I’m definitely using it as fuel for next year.’

Dunn, alongside fellow junior Tonie Morgan, provided the leadership necessary for the team’s resurgence this season. Morgan led the Jackets with a total of 184 assists, while Dunn stood out as a key contributor. Their efforts, along with impactful freshmen like guards Dani Carnegie and Chazadi Wright, provided a silver lining as they look forward to the next season.

‘This was a great opportunity to be able to make it, and it’s not easy. It’s not given. So next year, we definitely need to work for it again, but also when we get here, actually make it worth it,’ Dunn added.

Georgia Tech’s future looks promising with a young roster that loses only two seniors. Kayla Blackshear, one of the departing seniors, reflected on her time with the team, stating, ‘I’m very proud because my freshman year I was able to sit on the sidelines and watch… and now my senior year, being able to lead this younger group.’

Fortner, who has compiled a record of 110-75 during her six seasons with the Jackets, has led the program to three NCAA Tournaments in five years. The 22 wins this season marked Georgia Tech’s highest total since the 2016-17 campaign. As they head into the offseason, Fortner remains hopeful for a brighter future, emphasizing the need for a strong determination to succeed.