NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 2023 season has all the makings of a special season for Vanderbilt.
Even with the loss of one of the program’s greatest players in Gabby Fornia, the combination of recent success, promising recruits and dynamite veterans— all led by a starling centerpiece—positions the Commodores in a perfect spot to have one of the best seasons in the history of the program.
The Beth Hewitt Era of Vanderbilt lacrosse has been stellar in only four seasons (including a shortened 2020). Hewitt’s entrance to the program seems to be the inflection point for the Commodores as the team made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 seasons in 2021, reached their first American Athletic Conference title game in 2022 and achieved double-digit wins three of the past four seasons.
The on-field talent has also been a reason for the newfound accomplishments. Even with the recent losses of Fornia and defensive leader Mellisa Hawkins, fifth-year midfielder Bri Gross highlights an exciting and experienced veteran core alongside Paige Gunning, Kayla Rieu and six other seniors.
With a difficult nonconference schedule as well as a critically important AAC one, Vanderbilt has an opportunity not only to prove itself as a true contender but also to progress in ability every time on the field. An exhibition game with Ohio State has already shown promising results for a team looking to make waves.
“I was pleased with the scrimmage. Going against a different opponent I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect out of everybody, but I thought they handled it really well,” Hewitt said. “Specifically the sophomore class really stepped up and did some nice things on offense.”
That’s a positive sign for a team returning over 20 upperclassmen, many of whom were key components of last season’s squad. And that discussion starts with All-American and All-AAC first-team midfielder Gross.
“She has played almost every minute of her five years. She’s done a really nice job not as much focusing on her own game but on those around her, trying to make everyone better and build that chemistry” Hewitt said. “Her place speaks for itself. She will always be able to get the job done.”
In five seasons at Vanderbilt, Gross has racked up countless program, conference and national accolades and records. She has led the Commodores in goals twice and points once and is the only player on the team who has been with Hewitt since her inaugural season.
Leadership through the midfield is the name of the game for the Dores this season. With so much talent and experience in the middle, controlling the game is paramount for winning.
The offense also has young guns itching to get out onto the field and prove themselves.
“They haven’t seen the field as much and are just starting to find a rhythm,” Hewitt said. “But I really think they’re going to make a name for themselves this year.”
The goaltending from senior Paige Gunning is also something to look out for this season.
“We always feel confident with her,” Hewitt said. “In my opinion, she is one of the best in the country who does not necessarily earn the accolades many receive. But her teammates and our staff definitely know what she means to us.”
The Commodores begin their season with back-to-back home games against IWLCA ranked opponents in Colorado (25) and Denver (9), respectively. Vanderbilt has won all four home openers during the Hewitt era and is 22-8 all-time.
“I just think we’re going to learn so much from these two games and really feel confident that we are much more athletic than we’ve been in the past,” Hewitt said. “Now we just have to get it to all come together against some really awesome opponents.”
The Buffs are a familiar foe against the Commodores. Vanderbilt took down a 25th-ranked Colorado team in an overtime thriller at home to ignite the 2021 season. In 2022, the Dores fell to the Buffs 18-11 early in the season.
The Commodores have also played Denver twice under Hewitt, a 10-6 loss in 2022 and a nail-biting 14-13 home win in 2020.
“Last year was a big step for us to finally make the AAC Championship, but our goal now is to win it and get to the NCAAs,” Hewitt said.
Vanderbilt’s game against No. 25 Colorado is set to begin at 1 p.m. Friday. The matchup against Denver is at noon Sunday. Both matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.
