CPT (DUPR) VIRGINIA REGIONAL RECAP

Tournament Recaps,

🏆 Tournament Overview

  • Date & Location: February 7– 8, 2026 | Performance Pickleball, Henrico, VA
  • Teams: 18 colleges, 41 teams
  • 🏫 Colleges Represented — CPT (DUPR) Virginia Super Regional
Stanford UniversityRandolph-Macon CollegeGeorge Washington University
Duke UniversityUniversity of DelawareCarnegie Mellon University
Villanova UniversityUniversity of North Carolina at CharlotteJames Madison University
North Carolina State UniversityLiberty UniversityUniversity of Maryland
George Mason UniversityEast Carolina UniversityVirginia Tech
Towson UniversityDavidson CollegeUniversity of Virginia
  • At Stake: 3 bids to Nationals + $6,000 in prize money

🏅Final Result

Keep It in the Commonwealth: Hokies Win the Virginia Showdown

The CPT Virginia Super Regional delivered one of the deepest and most competitive fields of the season, featuring 41 teams from 18 colleges and showcasing just how stacked the Mid-Atlantic collegiate pickleball scene has become.

With Nationals looming, all teams were sharpening their swords — and by the end of the weekend, two familiar powerhouses rose to the top.

🔥 Semifinal Showdowns

Semifinal 1: Virginia Tech vs. UNC Charlotte

Despite an incredible run from UNC Charlotte (Sarah Coman,Joely Sterud, Alex Guy, Brian Hickman) their journey came to a heartbreaking end at the hands of top-seeded Virginia Tech (Heather Murphy, Nyliam Gazze, Cody Miller, Evan Bernstine).

UNC Charlotte pushed the #1 seed all the way to a DreamBreaker, giving themselves a real chance at the upset. But when it mattered most, Virginia Tech held steady — and UNC Charlotte’s Cinderella run came to a close.

Semifinal 2: UVA 1 vs. Coastal Carolina

On the other side of the bracket, University of Virginia (Alexandra McDonald, Alexandra Daley, Aiden Elstun, Eric Lee) faced off against 11-seeded Coastal Carolina University (Kristian McGill, Faith Malo, Chris DiGangi, Josie Carter) who once again proved they belong on the big stage.

  • Women’s Game: UVA’s hard-hitting women set the tone early, using pace and pressure to gain control.
  • Men’s Game: Coastal Carolina’s duo of Chris DiGangi and Kristian McGill rolled through their matchup with an aggressive, fearless style that was tough to slow down.
  • Mixed Doubles: UVA’s Alexandra McDonald / Eric Lee stepped up, successfully containing McGill and swinging momentum back in UVA’s favor.

That mixed win was the difference — allowing UVA to take control of the match and punch their ticket to the finals.

🥇 Championship Match

#1 Virginia Tech vs. #2 Virginia

The finals delivered exactly what fans hoped for: two elite programs, loaded lineups, and Nationals-level intensity.

  • Women’s Game:
    Nyliam Gazze’s shot selection and power pushed Virginia Tech to a clutch 21–19 win. Her performance once again proved she’s among the very best female players in collegiate pickleball.
  • Men’s Doubles:
    Virginia Tech’s men were simply on another level, overpowering UVA with pace and precision to take the match 21–13.
  • Mixed Doubles:
    With the championship on the line, Cody Miller / Heather Murphy were too much to handle. Their chemistry and execution sealed the third game — and the Virginia Super Regional title.

🏆 Virginia Tech stands alone at the top.

⭐ Standout Performances

  • Nyliam Gazze (Virginia Tech): Elite composure, elite power — a defining performance on the biggest stage.
  • Cody Miller & Heather Murphy (Virginia Tech): Championship-closing mixed doubles dominance.
  • Alexandra McDonald / Eric Lee (UVA): A pivotal mixed win that carried UVA into the finals.
  • Chris DiGangi & Kristian McGill (CCU): Fearless, aggressive play that nearly carried an 11-seed to the title round.

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • Virginia Tech continues to justify its near top of our leaderboard status.
  • UVA’s depth and balance make them a legitimate threat for a deep Nationals run.
  • The middle of the collegiate field is getting stronger — fast.

🔝 Change In CollegiatePB Leaderboard 

 Virginia Tech and UVA made some moves –  CollegiatePB Leaderboard. 📊⬆️

👉 📸 Instagram Handles Recap:

📅 Next Up

The CPT action continues February 21st – 22nd at Indiana Super Regional  in Noblesville, Indiana. All upcoming tournaments – Tournament Hub – Collegiate Pickleball