April 20, 2016
Milwaukee – After tying the game seconds before halftime, 4-4, the Vanderbilt defense broke down falling to the Marquette Golden Eagles 11-7 for the Commodores’ final away game of the season.
With the loss, Vanderbilt, as well as Cincinatti and Villanova are eliminated from BIG EAST Tournament contention.
Kelly Chandler led both teams in scoring and shooting, tying with the Golden Eagles’ Gabriel with a hat trick on five shots on goal. Junior Jill Doherty led both teams on the draw with five, her second highest this season. In goal for the Commodores, Callahan Kent made six saves, now owning a 5-10 record.
Vanderbilt struck first in the midweek matchup, as Emma Dagres scored three and a half minutes in off a free position shot. MU responded 11 minutes later, as the squad’s leading scorer, Shearer, tied the game off an assist by Bochniak.
VU took its last lead of the half with 17 minutes left as Alexa Kunowsky fired past Marquette goalie, Sarah Priem. Marquette went on a three-goal tear, scoring once off a free position attempt.
With a little over two minutes left in the half, VU’s offense elevated and leveled the score, first with Kunowsky earning her second goal of the day, followed by Chandler scoring with only six seconds remaining.
Marquette pulled ahead to take the 6-4 lead coming out of the locker room, but the Commodores responded with an offensive spree of their own. Kayla Peterson led a three goal scoring effort, with Chandler completing her hat trick with back-to-back goals for the black and gold.
With the 7-6 lead in Vandy’s favor, the Golden Eagles consistently broke through the Commodore defense going on a five-goal streak to end the Commodores chances at postseason BIG EAST success.
Vanderbilt hosts Villanova this weekend in its last home match of the season. Opening draw against Wildcats is slated for 12:00 pm CT Sunday afternoon, but Commodore fans should arrive early as the team will recognize its six seniors around 11:45 am.
