Oct. 29, 2017
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NASHVILLE — The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team knocked off two-time and defending NAIA national champion, Marian (Ind.). 90-78 at Memorial Gym on Sunday afternoon in exhibition action.
The Commodores had five players in double figures led by Rachel Bell with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting. Joining Bell in double figures were Erin Whalen with 16 points and Christa Reed with 13 points. Newcomers Chelsie Hall and Autumn Newby each added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Newby was a rebound shy of a double-double with team-high nine boards while Whalen dished out eight assists. Vanderbilt held Marian to 37.1 percent shooting (223-of-62) for the game while shooting 46.4 percent (32-of-69). The teams were deadlocked on the glass with 39 rebounds apiece.
Vanderbilt led by as many of 22 points but the defending NAIA champions made things interesting down the stretch by cutting the lead to two possessions with 3:36 left courtesy of a 14-2 run over a four-minute span.
The Dores clamped down on the defensive end late and with an 82-76 lead with 2:06 left, closed the game on an 8-2 run to seal the win.
Vanderbilt will continue preseason preparations before kicking off the 2017-18 season on Nov. 10 against backyard foe, Middle Tennessee State. Tipoff between the Commodores and Blue Raiders is set for 6 pm.
Inside the Lane
-There was a Purdue connection on the sidelines today. Marian head coach Katie Geralds is a Purdue graduate as is Vanderbilt head coach Stephanie White and Commodore assistant coach Kelly Komara.
-Today’s game was the first meeting between Marian (Ind.) and Vanderbilt.
Up Next
The Commodores lift the lid on the 2017-18 season on Nov. 10 when they welcome Middle Tennessee State to Memorial Gym. Tipoff is set for 6 pm.
Next Five Games
Nov. 10 — vs. Middle Tennessee State, 6 PM
Nov. 14 — at Central Michigan, 6 PM
Nov. 17 — at Tulane, 12 PM
Nov. 20 — vs. Ball State, 12 PM
Nov. 23 — at George Washington, 12:30 PM^
^- Paradise Jam (Washington, D.C.)
All game times CENTRAL
Keep Up with the Commodores
For more information on the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team check them out on the website at www.vucommodores.com , Twitter at @VandyWBB., Instagram at @VandyWBB and on Facebook at Vandy Hoops.
