NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nancy Halleron led all scorers with four goals to lead Vanderbilt to its first win of the year in a 14-11 decision over Mercer on Thursday afternoon at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex.
Vanderbilt (1-1) opened the scoring with Anna Taraboletti connecting for the first time this season before Halleron registered a first-quarter hat trick to help give the Dores a 5-2 lead after the opening 15 minutes. Vandy extended its lead in the second quarter with a pair from Brooke Baker and carried a 7-3 edge into halftime.
HALLERON HAT TRICK 🎩 pic.twitter.com/VeVbHWgjTy
— Vanderbilt Lacrosse (@VandyLacrosse) February 12, 2026
Taraboletti, Bailey Lower and Alex Gladding all scored to push the Commodores’ lead in the third while Gabby Putman scored her first career goal. Putman picked up a game-high nine draw controls. Emme Martin anchored the defense with a career-best 10 saves. Gladding caused a game-high three turnovers and picked up two ground balls.
ALEX GLADDING GOOOOOAL‼️ pic.twitter.com/qdXBjQRVlM
— Vanderbilt Lacrosse (@VandyLacrosse) February 12, 2026
Mercer (0-2) mounted a late comeback attempt with five goals in the fourth quarter, led by Ansley Walters and Caroline Glus, who scored three goals apiece. The Bears closed within three in the final minutes, but Vanderbilt held on down the stretch.
Vanderbilt returns to action on Monday morning, hosting Stanford in an 11 a.m. opening draw on ESPN+.
