| vs. Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs | vs. Little Rock Trojans |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Nov. 9 • 7 p.m. | Friday, Nov. 12 • 7 p.m. |
| Memorial Gym (14,326) | Memorial Gym (14,326) |
| Nashville, Tenn. | Nashville, Tenn. |
| Watch: SEC Network+ | Watch: SEC Network+ |
| Listen: WNSR 560AM/95.9 FM TuneIn: Charlie Mattos (play-by-play) |
Listen: WNSR 560AM/95.9 FM TuneIn: Charlie Mattos (play-by-play) |
| Live Stats | Live Stats |
| Vanderbilt Game Notes | Vanderbilt Game Notes |
The Elite New Era
- As announced on April 13, 2021, Shea Ralph was named the sixth head coach in Vanderbilt women’s basketball history.
- Ralph announced her inaugural coaching staff with the additions of Tom Garrick, Ashley Earley and Kevin DeMille.
- Garrick, former associate head coach, and Earley, former assistant coach, make their returns to the Vanderbilt coaching staff, both in their second stints with the Commodores.
- Christina Foggie, former student-athlete from 2010-14, returns to Vanderbilt as the chief of staff.
- Kyla Irwin, former student-athlete of Ralph’s at UConn, was appointed as the Director of Player Development and Community Relations.
Fresh Faces
- Vanderbilt returns two starters Yaubryon Chambers, all eight games, and Brinae Alexander, five game starts, from the shortened 2020-21 season.
- After losing six players to graduation and the transfer portal, Vandy welcomes six newcomers a combination of five true freshmen and one graduate transfer.
Runnin’ Bulldogs Rundown…
- Gardner-Webb looks to build upon the run it had leading up to the 2021 Hercules Tires Big South Conference Women’s Basketball Championship back on March 11, 2021. The Runnin’ Bulldogs’ season concluded in a 75-58 loss to, eventual tournament champion, High Point in the semifinals.
- In the Big South Conference Preseason Poll, Gardner-Webb was picked to finish fifth overall.
- The Runnin’ Bulldogs are led by sophomore forward, and Second Team All-Conference selection, Alasia Smith. Smith was named the 2020-21 Big South Freshman of the Year.
Taking a Look at the Trojans…
- Little Rock was picked to finish fifth in the league’s preseason poll back on Saturday, Oct. 20.
- Head coach Joe Foley is entering his 19th season at the helm of the Trojans program.
- Little Rock commences the 2021-22 season against the Sweet 16 and previously No. 14 ranked Missouri State at home on Tuesday, Nov. 9.
- The Trojans bolster a well-balanced roster with six upperclassmen and nine underclassmen, highlighted by two true freshmen and a pair of redshirt-freshmen.
A Vandy Win Would…
- Be the first victory of Shea Ralph’s head coaching career.
- Second victory over Gardner-Webb, in the Division I era for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
- Be the first season opening victory since the 2019-20 season vs. Jacksonville State on Nov. 5, 88-66.
- Give Vanderbilt its first win over Little Rock.
A Vandy Loss Would…
- Second straight season opening with a loss for the Commodores.
- Give Gardner-Webb the first victory over Vanderbilt.
- Even the all-time series at 1-1.
- Give Little Rock back-to-back victories over Vanderbilt, building upon the 2020-21 82-72 Trojan win.
On Deck
- Vanderbilt will continue its home slate and host Little Rock on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. on SEC Network+. The Commodores will travel to Murfreesboro on Monday, Nov. 15 for the first road game of the season to take on Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee at 6: 30 p.m.
