NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bri Gross notched the overtime game-winner and Nancy Halleron contributed five goals as the Vanderbilt lacrosse team lifted the lid on 2023 with an 11-10 victory over No. 25 Colorado.
Gross scored in the closing seconds of the first overtime period after the Commodores forced Colorado into a shot-clock violation to open the extra frame. It was one of two goals on the afternoon for Gross. Halleron added five goals on just seven shots. Lila Huddles contributed a goal and three assists while Paige Finneran had a goal and two assists. In the cage, Paige Gunning made 12 saves including a series of five-straight in the fourth quarter.
GAME-WINNING GROSS GOAL.
📺ESPN+#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/QFQaSK2Je6
— Vanderbilt Lacrosse (@VandyLacrosse) February 10, 2023
The Buffaloes were led by four goals and an assist from Charlie Rudy. Morgan Pence added three goals and two assists. The Buffaloes split the game in goal, with Grace Donnelly making nine first-half saves before Danielle Heintz made eight saves in the duration of the game.
The team shots reflected an overtime game. Neither team led by more than two goals the entire contest. Vandy held a 30-29 edge on shots and a 28-22 edge in shots on goal. Colorado held a 17-12 advantage in saves and a 15-10 lead in draw controls. The Commodores forced 15 CU turnovers, including the decisive one in overtime.
Halleron scored the first two goals of the game before Rudy responded with two Buffalo goals to tie it. The score remained tied at the end of each quarter of regulation, as the teams were tied at four after the first, six at halftime, nine at the end of the third and 10 at the end of regulation.
Game Notes
- Halleron’s five goals were a career-high and marked her second career hat trick
- Finneran had her first three-point game since March 16 of last season against Colgate
- Gunning eclipsed 400 career saves and now stands at 407 (the program record is 488)
- Vandy last beat a ranked team on Feb. 19 of last season, taking a 14-12 win from No. 12 Notre Dame
