Nov. 7, 2015
VALPARAISO, IN—Vanderbilt maintained its grip on the No. 1 seed at the Crusader Classic Saturday during a day that produced three victories -including two top 10 wins – in five games.
The Commodores held a six-pin advantage over McKendree at day’s end and the two programs will square off for the third time in this tournament and fourth in two weeks Sunday morning in the first round of the championship bracket.
Vanderbilt has won 19 games and lost just four in the last two weekends and three of the losses have been to McKendree, who took two from VU Saturday by scores of 999-948 and 1,036-986. In the first game the Commodores made some critical mistakes late in the contest and in the position round game to finish the day, it was a weak start that doomed the outcome.
“We were in a different position today, a new spot for us,” said Coach John Williamson. “I felt we looked as though we were trying to protect something (top seed) rather than trying to achieve something. Tomorrow we are playing to win something.”
Other games, including a win over No. 2 rated Arkansas State (1,014-923), went better. In addition to the win over the Red Wolves, Vandy beat top 10 ranked Central Missouri 957-923 on a strong finishing performance by anchor Robyn Renslow and Tulane (954-888).
Junior Nicole Powell had an excellent day, averaging 209.20 to place fifth individually, her best college finish. Four of her five scores were over 200. She had been inserted into the lineup after the coaches noted she appeared to have “a good look” in the warmups.
Vanderbilt began the day with a lineup of Tori Ferris, Powell, Giselle Poss, Kristin Quad and Renslow and substituted Amanda Fry for Ferris late in the day. Fry responded with an excellent 236.
Sunday’s action starts at 8:45 CT and will be streamed live on Cube.
