Feb. 7, 2012
For the first time in program history, the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team has five road SEC contests during February. During these five games, VUCommodores.com will bring you behind-the-scenes access with the team.
February 1-2 at Auburn
The squad opened the month with a trip to Auburn, Ala., to take on the Auburn Lady Tigers. Departing after practice on Wednesday, February 1, things got off to a rather interesting start.
The plane that would take the Commodores to Auburn was stuck in Athens, Ga., due to fog. After a slight delay leaving Memorial Gym, the team finally boarded the plane but then had to wait for lightning to clear out of Middle Tennessee, only to find out the fog had moved to Auburn. This meant landing in Columbus, Ga., then busing the final 35 miles to Auburn.
Despite the difficulties in traveling to Auburn, the Commodores picked-up their first road in SEC play, besting the Lady Tigers, 66-61.
On the flight home, it was all smiles from the Dores…Well, most of them anyway (we’re looking at you, Gabby Smith).
February 4-5 at Mississippi State
The trip to Starkville to take on Mississippi State was a little different than the trip to Auburn. Instead of a flight, the Commodores bused the approximately five hours to eastern Mississippi.
While riding the bus may not sound like the most glorious form of travel, the Commodores travel to and from Music City just like some of the music scene’s biggest acts, aboard sleeper busses. The busses feature two lounging areas with wireless internet, satellite televisions, refrigerator and microwave, as well as 12 bunks for those who like to catch up on their sleep on the road.
While the bunks are usually the most popular feature, especially for the voice of the Commodores, Charlie Mattos, who’s morning radio duties usually have him up before dawn, this time it was the satellite TV that was the biggest amenity, as the Commodores were driving back from Starkville during the Super Bowl. This of course following another road win, defeating Mississippi State, 65-59.
We asked senior forward Jordan Coleman to take some video of what it’s like to ride the bus with the Commodores. While we got the usual sampling of studying and snacking among the student-athletes, we also got a whole lot of Super Bowl talk.
The next trip for the Commodores will be February 11-12 as they travel to Athens, Ga., to take on the Georgia Lady Bulldogs. Check back to VUCommodores.com for more “Five for February” updates from the women’s basketball team’s five road trips this month.
