Feb. 14, 2016
Vanderbilt’s offense exploded midway through the first half and the Commodores raced by Furman, 16-7, as a result Sunday afternoon.
With the offense out of sync and goalkeeper Callahan Kent off to a slow start, the Paladins tied the score, 4-4, with about 13 minutes left in the first half. It was at this point that Vandy’s Kelly Chandler heated up the Recreation Center’s indoor facility with a burst of offense.
“I think the difference was our shooting,” said a pleased Head Coach Cathy Swezey after the game. “At one point I think we were two for seven and once we improved our shooting the game really changed. I felt like we had momentum most of the game – we were possessing the ball and getting draw controls Once the shots started falling the game rally changed.”
Swezey credited her junior midfielder with providing the offensive leadership.
“Clearly Kelly had a huge game and she changed the tide for us because her shots were going,” Swezey noted. “I am pretty sure she was 100% on shooting and her shots in the first half changed our look and showed others where to put the ball.”
Chandler would score five goals – four in that deciding first half – before getting ample amounts of rest in the second half as the Commodores substituted liberally. Mallory Schonk and Emma Dagres each added three goals while Amanda Lockwood, Kayla Peterson and Alexa Kunowsky had one each. Vandy outshot Furman, 36-18, in the game.
Swezey was equally pleased with the team’s defensive effort.
“Cal had a slow start in the goal,” Swezey said. “I think she missed her first four shots, and then made save after save. I challenged her in a timeout and she stepped up. Our defense unit in general is going to be one to watch, I think we have quite a crew back there.”
Swezey was also impressed with her team’s composure.
“I want to say in the past when we let a team close the gap we might have panicked. We would have seen one versus one takes instead of team play but the girls kept their composure and because of that we were able to separate themselves. It was really good to see that.”
The win pushes Vanderbilt record to 2-0. The Commodores return to action Feb. 23, hosting Louisville.
