VCU Women Open Season with 67-43 Win
Chelsea Banbury earns her first win as VCU head coach in the 2026-27 season opener against Central Connecticut State.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball
VCU women's basketball defeated Central Connecticut State 67-43 at the Siegel Center in its 2026-27 season opener. The win was the first for head coach Chelsea Banbury, and Macy Spencer led VCU with 22 points in her debut.
Why it matters
The victory marks a fresh start for a program that finished the 2025-26 season 8-23 overall and 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play. It gives the Rams an early signal as Banbury begins her tenure in Richmond.
VCU forced 24 turnovers and scored 24 fast-break points against Central Connecticut State. Banbury enters Richmond with a 140-79 record over seven seasons at High Point.
The players
Chelsea Banbury
Banbury is the head coach of VCU women's basketball, previously leading High Point University for seven seasons with a 140-79 record.
Macy Spencer
Spencer is a VCU guard who led the team with 22 points in her debut for the Rams.
The details
VCU forced six turnovers in the first quarter and built a 30-22 halftime lead before extending it to 46-38 entering the fourth quarter. Spencer led the offense, Cyriah Griffin added 15 points, Ann Zachariah posted 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Nicole Torresani recorded five steals in her collegiate debut.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: VCU opens the 2026-27 season with a 67-43 win over Central Connecticut State.
Season Trajectory
The win sets an early tone for a VCU program that finished 4-14 in Atlantic 10 play last season and is rebuilding under new leadership. Banbury's first victory offers a measured starting point against a backdrop of a 8-23 record in 2025-26.
The early win gives VCU a positive opening result that will be tracked in conference standings. Fans following the Rams can expect the team's early lineup balance to be a key storyline as the season progresses.
The takeaway
Early wins can shape momentum, and VCU's balanced scoring in its opener offers a clear foundation for the season ahead.
Further reading
Explore more Richmond Basketball coverage for context on the local teams and season outlook.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commonwealth Times.
