Feb. 13, 2015
Game Notes | Swezey Interview | Schonk Interview | Live Video Stream
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For the second season, the Vanderbilt lacrosse team has the multi-purpose indoor facility at its disposal. The state-of-the-art facility, completed just more than a year ago, offers a reprieve from harsh temperatures or weather that threatens to cancel practice.
But this week, the Commodores haven’t stepped inside its door.
No, instead the team is getting accustomed to playing outside in the frigid temperatures. Vanderbilt (1-0) hits the road for the first time this season to play Liberty at 11 a.m. (CST) on Sunday. Below-freezing temperatures will be waiting in Lynchburg, Va., as the high is expected to reach just 26 degrees with a low of 10 and wind gusts between 15-25 miles per hour.
“A lot of it is a mental attitude,” junior Mallory Schonk said. “You are going to have to know going into it you’re going to be cold. It is going to stink but the other team is going to be the same way. Some of us have been trying to wear gloves when we usually don’t. Just trying to get used to it, knowing it is going to be a little rough but everyone is going through it and hanging tough.”
The Commodores are coming off a convincing 24-1 victory over Kennesaw State last Saturday at home to open their season.
The team set program records for the most goals scored (24) and widest margin of victory (23 goals). Thirteen players scored, eight had multiple goals and Kelly Chandler, Meggie Ramzy and Mallory Schonk scored three goals apiece. Schonk also had a career-high six assists, second-most in program history. Junior Sarah Wilcox (two goals) and freshmen Jess Dadino and twin sisters Kayla and Leah Peterson each scored their first college goals.
Liberty and Vanderbilt have met once before, with Vanderbilt winning 20-8 last year in Nashville. Liberty lost its season opener against Virginia Tech 15-11 last weekend and hosts Navy on Friday before welcoming in the Commodores. The Flames are led by Sam Struss (five goals against Virginia Tech) and Katy Pridemore (three goals) as both earned weekly honors from the Big South Conference.
“(Liberty) plays with a ton of heart,” Vanderbilt coach Cathy Swezey said. “They are extremely aggressive and obviously a very intense team. Even in the process of their comeback against Virginia Tech, the way they celebrated you could see they are very focused and not willing to back down from anyone.”
‘DORES HEAVY ON EXPERIENCE
The Commodores enter 2015 with 20 returning letterwinners and nine starters back. They’re heavy on experience with six seniors (four starters) and eight juniors (four starters).
Among those notable to return are Kelly Chandler (27 goals), Mallory Schonk (25 goals, 27 assists), Jill Doherty (20 goals, 17 assists), Amanda Lockwood (18 goals), Alexa Kunowsky (16 goals), Emma Dagres (14 goals), Alex Duckenfield (31 ground balls, 15 caused turnovers) and Maddie Kratz (121 saves).
VU JOINS BIG EAST
Vanderbilt begins its first season in the BIG EAST Conference. The Commodores spent the last 13 years in the American Lacrosse Conference, which disbanded. VU joins former ALC member Florida along with Cincinnati, Connecticut, Georgetown, Marquette, Temple and Villanova. The ‘Dores were picked to finish fourth in the preseason coaches poll.
JUNIOR PAIR EARNS BIG EAST HONORS
Junior attackers Mallory Schonk and Kelly Chandler were named to the preseason All-BIG EAST Team by the league’s coaches. Schonk, a unanimous selection, scored 25 goals and led the team with 27 assists and 52 points. Chandler is the team’s top returning scorer with 27 goals and also won a team-high 50 draws.
RECORDS BROKEN IN SEASON OPENER
The ‘Dores scored their most goals (24) in a single game and notched their widest margin of victory (23) in a 24-1 victory over Kennesaw State on Saturday. Mallory Schonk also set a career-high with six assists, which was the second-most in program history.
TEAM FILLED WITH YOUNG TALENT
In addition to a talented sophomore class, which includes three potential starters in Eliza Clemens, Jill Doherty and Caroline Peters, the ‘Dores welcome nine promising freshmen. Defender Margaret Fee was a US Lacrosse All-American and started the season opener. Defender Frankie Angeleri also has a chance to play right away. Coach Cathy Swezey has been impressed with the entire class, which includes Lucy Maloney, Lexi Smith, twin sisters Kayla and Leah Peterson, Kayla Pruitt, Marley Sternberg and Jess Dadino.
TOUGH SCHEDULE
The Commodores again have a tough schedule. With an eight-game stretch starting in late February, VU will play eight ranked foes that made the NCAA Tournament — Denver, Penn, Stanford, Penn State, Louisville, Florida, Johns Hopkins and Georgetown.