In a remarkable display of resilience, the Virginia women's basketball team made history by becoming the first First Four team to advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. This achievement came after their thrilling 83-75 victory against Iowa in double overtime on March 20, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa. Kymora Johnson led the Cavaliers with an impressive 28 points, while Paris Clark contributed significantly with 20 points. Virginia's success is notable, as they had battled through three games in just five days, demonstrating their stamina and determination to overcome adversity. Virginia’s path to the Sweet Sixteen was not without challenges. The team initially faced Arizona State in a tightly contested First Four game, winning 57-55, which set the tone for their ensuing battles. The following match against seventh-seeded Georgia introduced additional hurdles; however, Virginia managed a significant comeback to win 82-73, including a strong overtime performance where they outscored Georgia 11-2. Their ability to adapt, including a switch to man-to-man defense during this match, proved crucial in halting Georgia's momentum. The thrilling matchup against Iowa saw the Cavaliers seize control after a tough first half. They entered halftime leading 28-23 but had to withstand significant pressure from the Hawkeyes, who were supported by a sellout crowd. Iowa had multiple opportunities to secure the win but faltered, missing critical shots in both regulation and overtime. Virginia's performance was further highlighted by the contributions of other players, like Romi Levy and Caitlin Weimar, alongside Johnson’s standout performance. The victory not only marks Virginia’s return to the regional semifinals after a long period but also stands as a testament to the perseverance of this program. It emphasizes the growing competitiveness of the women's NCAA tournament and depicts how lower-seeded teams can defy odds and achieve greatness. Virginia will now look forward to continuing their momentum as they advance to the next round, aiming for further success in their tournament journey.