Dores Host JMU and Visit Coastal Carolina

Vanderbilt looks to get back into the win column after dropping to East Carolina.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt lacrosse looks to bounce back from a loss at East Carolina last Saturday, hosting fourth-ranked James Madison Saturday morning and then traveling to Coastal Carolina Wednesday afternoon.

Last Outing

Last Saturday, Vandy fell 15-10 to American Athletic Conference opponent East Carolina despite hat tricks from Paige Finneran and Josie Ward.

A back-and-forth first half saw the Commodores countering every Pirate punch with one of their own. Lila Huddles, Nellie Blaze, and Finneran (two goals) all contributed to the Vanderbilt effort that left the first half at a 4-4 standstill heading into halftime.

Both offenses began to heat up in the second half. Although the Dores scored twice in the third quarter, the Pirates notched seven goals in the frame, bringing the score to 11-6 with 15 minutes left to play.

The Commodores dropped three straight goals early in the fourth. However, with an eight-goal deficit with only three minutes left in the game, Ward tallied three unassisted goals within one minute to close out the final quarter. East Carolina held on to win 15-10.

Opponent Review

James Madison

Sitting at 12-1 in their first AAC season, the Dukes are ranked fourth in the country with their only loss coming during opening weekend when JMU fell at No. 1 North Carolina.

James Madison has five starters — Kat Buchanan (goalie), Tai Janowski (attack), Rachel Matey (defense), Mairead Durkin (defense), and Isabella Peterson (attack)— on the Tewaaraton Award watchlist. Peterson ranks second in the nation in total goals (50) and sixth in total points (65).

This game is the first time the Commodores and Dukes have met since the Dores won 10-4 in a 2004 matchup.

Coastal Carolina

Competing in the ASUN Conference, the Chanticleers are 7-4 this season. Coastal Carolina is led by Kayla Downey, who has tallied 61 points this season, 13th in the country.

Vanderbilt is 2-0 against Coastal Carolina with wins coming in 2017 (11-7) and 2022 (13-11).

In last season’s matchup, the Dores led a fiery comeback in the fourth quarter, overcoming a three-goal deficit in the final fifteen minutes to secure the victory.

Record Watches

  • Paige Gunning has 483 career saves, just 5 saves shy of tying the Vandy career record of 488 saves set by Ashley Bastinelli (2002–05).

Giveaway Alerts

During Saturday’s home game against James Madison, Vanderbilt lacrosse will celebrate the One Love Foundation, an organization that empowers young people with the knowledge to identify and avoid abusive relationships. The foundation was established in honor of Yeardley Love, a former Virginia lacrosse player who passed away due to injuries caused by physical violence from her partner.