ELON, N.C. — Head coach Beth Hewitt recorded her 100th career victory Friday as the Commodores took down Elon 17-11 at Rudd Field.
No. 22 Vanderbilt improved to 3-0, the team’s best start since winning the first five games in 2019.
The Commodores looked to be cruising after taking a 5-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Phoenix rallied to score six unanswered goals.
The two teams went to halftime even at 7-7.
The Commodores took control of the contest in the second half, outscoring Elon 6-1 in the third quarter.
Vandy fought off Elon’s comeback attempts in the fourth quarter to maintain a six-goal lead, winning 17-11. The Commodore defense has allowed a total of just nine second-half goals in the past two games.
Bri Gross did a little of everything, scoring a team-high four goals while tallying eight draw controls, three caused turnovers and two ground balls.
Gross moved into second place on Vanderbilt’s career draw controls list with 183, passing Margie Curran (2005–08).
Mikela McCauley finished with a hat trick and Callie Sundin and Karlie Bucci each scored a pair of goals.
Fifth-year senior Melissa Hawkins recorded three caused turnovers to tie Ally Carey (2009–12) for third-most career caused turnovers in program history with 110.
Hewitt, in her fourth season at Vanderbilt, owns a 100-38 (.725) career record over nine seasons.
Vanderbilt heads west for its next two games. The Commodores will play at Colorado on March 4 and at No. 12 Denver on March 6.
