TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Vanderbilt soccer fell to fourth-seeded Penn State on Sunday night in a 3-1 decision.
Vanderbilt finished its historic season 10-4-7, marking the fifth time in the Darren Ambrose era with at least 10 wins in a season. The Commodores made their 13th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time. Under Ambrose, Vandy has been the big dance six times in the last eight years.
Vandy opened the scoring off a rebounding header from Caroline Betts. Rachel Deresky crossed to Betts inside the box, taking a shot that was deflected by Penn State’s keeper Mackenzie Gress deflected the shot back to Betts who headed it in for the score.
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The Nittany Lions responded with the equalizer just minutes before halftime. To open the second half, Natalie Wilson scored to put Penn State up 2-1. The Nittany Lions found another goal in the 66th minute for its final advantage.
Betts finished the season with nine goals and five assists for a team-high 23 points. Betts and sophomore Sydney Watts tied for the team-high in goals. Rachel Deresky and Maci Teater led Vandy with six assists each while keeper Sara Wojdelko led in goal with 54 saves and seven shutouts.
