Nov. 10, 2014
The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team gave its fans a little appetizer last weekend. Now it’s time for entrée. The Commodores — who hammered Coker College, 93-31, in last Saturday’s exhibition game — open the regular season on Friday night, hosting local rival Belmont at 7 p.m. at Memorial Gym. The Commodores, who have won 28 straight home openers, are coming off an 18-13 season that culminated with the team’s 15th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. This year’s season opener will include a host of activities and items for Vanderbilt fans to be excited about. Here’s a few of the items on the list:
Start of a new tradition. Vanderbilt fans who frequent Memorial Gym have grown accustomed to seeing the cheerleaders throw Vanderbilt T-shirts into the crowd during timeouts. This year, that tradition will continue — with a new twist. When the starting lineups are announced, the members of Vanderbilt’s starting five will each throw a T-shirt into the crowd. So be sure to make some noise when your favorite player is announced — you might just get a T-shirt from her! (The traditional “T-shirt Toss” by the cheerleaders will continue this season, too.)
Next wave of stars. Friday’s game will mark the first regular-season game for the Commodores’ nationally-ranked freshmen class. The group made a huge impact in last Saturday’s exhibition game, as newcomers Rachel Bell, Paris Kea, Christa Reed and Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudreau combined for 43 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists and nine steals while helping the Commodores roll to a 93-31 victory over Coker College. Bell finished with a game-high 19 points and three assists, and Reed added 14 points while going 6-of-8 from the floor. Caron-Goudreau finished with a game-high 10 rebounds, and Kea produced a team-high six assists. “I think there’s a little bit of everything (among the freshmen),” said head coach Melanie Balcomb, “and that’s what I love about the class.”
In-game and postgame contests and giveaways. Throughout the season, Vanderbilt fans will once again be able to participate for a Vanderbilt prize pack with the popular “Enter to Win” contest. Fans can register for the drawing in the lobby during the first half, and the prize pack will be awarded at halftime. After the game, the Commodore players will throw miniature basketballs into the crowd. NOTE: New this year, the Vanderbilt WBB program will hold a Fan Appreciation Game, which will take place during Vanderbilt’s final game on Feb. 26 against Auburn. (This event will replace the Frequent Fan cards giveaways from previous seasons).
What’s ahead. Friday’s game against Belmont is the first of three November home games for the Commodores. The team will also host Green Bay on Nov. 17, and St. Louis on Nov. 24. Sandwiched between those games is the Commodores’ first road game of the season — a trip to Wisconsin to face the Badgers on Nov. 20.
Be sure to check out “Star Gazing” each week throughout the season to be informed about all the promotions and events related to Vanderbilt women’s basketball.