Feb. 11, 2017
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt Commodores (1-0) opened the 2017 season at home against a familiar foe in Kennesaw State (0-1). The Commodores defeated the Owls 17-5 and won their fourth-consecutive season-opener. Head coach Cathy Swezey claimed her 150th career victory at the helm of Vanderbilt Lacrosse.
Swezey was pleased with a lot following the game, which made it hard to award the game ball. In the end, she chose the play of the Commodore defense.
“I thought all four line defenders were completely on top of their game,” said Swezey. “They played aggressively within the limits and the boundaries of the rules. I thought they set the tone for the entire team.”
The defensive line of Margaret Fee, Lexi Smith, Eliza Clemens and Alex Rasmussen played the majority of the game for the `Dores. They caused multiple turnovers and only allowed one first half goal which gave the `Dores an 8-1 halftime margin.
Swezey was also impressed by the offensive play as they racked up 17 goals, which is the most they have scored in almost two years.
“Offensively, I thought we moved the ball really well,” stated Swezey. “I thought our shots were a little off but the ball movement and all the possessions we gained off draw controls set a lot of momentum for us.”
Sophomore midfielder Julie Blaze led the Commodore offense as she scored a career-high five goals against the Owls. Kayla Peterson and Caroline Peters both tied career-highs in goal with three apiece. This was Peters’ first game in almost two years as she sat out last season with an ACL injury.
Jill Doherty and Melanie Becker added two goals apiece while MacKenzie Lange and Emily Mathewson each had one goal. Becker started the scoring off at the 27:32 mark of the first half. Emily Mathewson scored her first collegiate goal Saturday afternoon in her first game as a Commodore.
Mathewson was one of many Commodore freshmen to see game action against Kennesaw State. Avery Hoelting earned her first collegiate start while Gwyn Devin, Jacqueline Littleson, Emily Kalin and Lily Argyle all saw their first game action.
The Commodores will have 10 days off before they are back in action. The `Dores will begin a six-game road trip on February 22 when they travel up north to take on Louisville. That game will start at 2 pm CT and will be broadcast on ESPN3.
