Vanderbilt Athletics Thrives with Overtime Football Win and More

Vanderbilt University enjoyed a remarkable weekend in athletics, highlighted by thrilling victories in football, basketball, and soccer. The events unfolded from November 11 to 12, 2023, showcasing the versatility and tenacity of the Commodores across multiple sports.

Football and Basketball Triumphs

On Saturday afternoon, the Vanderbilt football team achieved a stunning 45-38 victory over Auburn in an overtime thriller. The Commodores initially faced a challenging start, trailing 17-3 early in the game and entering halftime down 20-10. An impressive change in strategy, led by quarterback Diego Pavia, sparked a comeback. Pavia, a contender for the Heisman Trophy, recorded a season-high 377 passing yards and three touchdowns, along with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown. The team’s rapid offensive tempo in the second half forced the game into overtime, where Pavia connected with Cole Spence for the decisive touchdown, improving Vanderbilt’s record to 8-2.

In a parallel display of athletic prowess, the Vanderbilt men’s basketball team secured a significant road win against the University of Central Florida (UCF), defeating them 105-93. The Commodores showcased their offensive strength, shooting 56 percent from the floor and sinking 14 three-pointers. They surged to a 27-point lead in the second half before UCF mounted a comeback, but Vanderbilt maintained control for a double-digit victory. Guard Duke Miles led all scorers with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, as the team prepared to face Eastern Kentucky at home on November 15 at 18:00 CT.

Soccer’s SEC Championship Success

Vanderbilt soccer experienced an equally exhilarating weekend, clinching the SEC Tournament Championship by defeating fifth-seeded LSU 2-1 in a dramatic shootout. After LSU opened the scoring in the 26th minute, Vanderbilt’s Vivian Akyirem equalized in the 70th minute, setting the stage for a tense finish. The match extended through two overtime periods, ultimately leading to a shootout. Both teams exchanged shots until they were tied 7-7 after nine rounds. In the decisive tenth round, Vanderbilt scored its eighth goal, putting pressure on LSU. Goalkeeper Sara Wojdelko then made a crucial save to secure the championship for the Commodores. The team now looks forward to the NCAA Tournament, which commences on November 17.

In bowling, the No. 3-ranked Commodores finished third at the Bulldog Classic, hosted by Louisiana Tech, after winning all three of their matches on Sunday. Conversely, the Vanderbilt volleyball team faced a setback, losing 3-0 to in-state rival Tennessee. Despite a more competitive effort in the second set, the Commodores struggled to find momentum, marking their eighth defeat in the last nine matches. They will look to regroup in their upcoming match against Alabama on November 17.

In women’s tennis, Sonya Macavei and Sophia Webster each completed a perfect weekend, winning all their singles matches on Sunday. Webster triumphed over Kentucky’s Elena Molla in two sets, while Macavei defeated Ellie Myers in similarly convincing fashion. Additionally, Valeria Ray earned a spot in the NCAA Singles Championship after defeating Leyla Britez Risso of Tennessee at the ITA Sectional Championships.

As the Commodores continue their athletic journey, their recent successes have demonstrated the strength and determination across various sports. With competitions ahead, fans are eager to see how these achievements will influence their performance in upcoming events.