NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt overcame a three-goal deficit in the second half to defeat Colgate 18-16 on Wednesday afternoon at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex.
Senior Karlie Bucci scored four times to lead the Commodores. Bucci’s fourth goal of the contest with 8:01 remaining in the fourth quarter put Vanderbilt in front for good at 16-15.
Colgate rushed out to an early 5-1 lead just seven minutes into the game. The first half continued its fast pace as the Commodores scored six of the next seven goals to close out the first quarter with a 7-6 advantage.
The Raiders outscored the Commodores 4-2 in the second period and took a 10-9 lead into halftime.
Trailing by three in the third quarter, Paige Finneran scored with nine minutes left, sparking a 4-1 run for the Dores to retake the lead.
Colgate responded to pull even at 14-14 with 12 seconds left in the third before Megan Mangines earned a draw control, sprinted towards the Colgate goal and make an impressive pass to a wide open Bucci for a Vanderbilt score with less than a second on the clock.
Colgate would tie the game again at 15-15 early in the fourth before Bucci put Vanderbilt on top for good.
Wednesday’s game saw six ties and four lead changes. Seven Commodores scored two or more goals. Gabby Fornia led Vandy with six points, scoring twice with four assists.
Lexie de Roziere picked up the win in goal while making eight saves.
The Commodores hit the road to face Hofstra on Sunday at 11 a.m. CT.
