NASHVILLE – Vanderbilt defeated Murray State, 4-0, to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night at the Vanderbilt Soccer Complex.
With the win over Murray State, the No. 13 Commodores (16-3-1) advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.
Playing an NCAA Tournament game in front of a home crowd for the first time since 2005, the Dores got out to a quick start with a goal in the 13th minute. Leila Azari dribbled the ball up the right sideline after receiving a pass from Ella Shamburger. Azari delivered a cross into the middle of the box that Haley Hopkins knocked right past the Murray State goalkeeper for Hopkins’ team-high 13th goal of the season.
The Dores refused to look back after that, as they tacked on another goal in the 30th minute. This time it was Hopkins delivering a no-look pass to Grace Jackson who launched her shot into the back-right side of the net for her fifth goal this year.
The Dores struck again late in the first half for a three-goal advantage. Raegan Kelley intercepted an errant pass on the offensive end before striking with her left foot past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper in the 43rd minute. It was the third goal of the season for the freshman.
After a few scoring chances in the second half, the Dores extended their lead in the 83rd minute. This time it was Brook Colangelo turning some more defense into offense. She took a pass near the middle of the field and dribbled it past Racer defenders before firing a strike with her left foot just outside the box. Colangelo’s shot landed just inside the left-handed side of the net for her first goal this season.
Hopkins continues to lead Vanderbilt in goals (13) and assists (seven) while Azari is right behind her with six assists.
Lauren Demarchi got the start for the Commodores in net and delivered her fifth shutout of the season. She improved to 13-2-1 on the year after posting three saves in the contest.
The Dores maintained their undefeated record at home this season as they went 10-0-1 all season.
Up next, the Commodores will head to Waco, Texas, to face the No. 2-seeded Baylor Bears in the second round of the tournament. The game is set for Nov. 16, at 7 p.m.
