NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the cold days of winter become fewer and the feeling of fresh starts falls on West End with the incoming spring, there is no other team on campus ready to redeem itself with a new season than the 2024 Vanderbilt lacrosse team.
The Commodores look to bounce back after finishing 4-11 during the 2023 campaign, despite a promising opening-day win over nationally-ranked Colorado. Saturday’s season opener against Central Michigan brings a blank slate for the Commodores.
The theme of a new leaf permeates the team culture, spreading from the roster to team goals and the schedule.
New Faces:
The 2024 Vanderbilt squad is dotted with fresh faces as 12 new student-athletes—seven freshmen and five transfers—have joined the program this year.
“We’re looking to get lots of competitive drive,” said head coach Beth Hewitt on her desired production from the newcomers. In her sixth season at the helm of the program, Hewitt believes that the strong transfer class will bring a fierce attitude not only to games but also to the practice field, elevating the quality of every member’s play.
Alex Gladding and Anna Taraboletti have been two freshman standouts in practice so far, earning reputations for outstanding play and passion. However, the transfer class also has the team and coaching staff energized. Hewitt calls Elise Bialecki, a sophomore defender from Pittsburgh, an “impact player” whose physicality and leadership will boost the entire team.
With the loss of some key leaders throughout the past few seasons, the time is perfect for some familiar names to find their footing as the face of the team. No other player fits this mold more than graduate goalie Paige Gunning. Late last season, Gunning became the all-time leader in career saves at Vanderbilt, and her leadership and ability look to be on full display for her final season in black and gold.
The defensive unit thrives on its cohesiveness and this year should be no different for that group. Offensively, Molly Finlay and Ellie Hilsabeck lead the charge toward the goal as Kemper Robinson mans the midfield.
Compete and Execute:
These are the elements of the culture Hewitt has instilled in her leap-year squad. She expects the Commodores to fight to the end of every play and through every whistle, ultimately turning that drive in practice into contention on the field this season.
“From a goals standpoint, it is always going to be to be at the top of our conference and play for a championship,” said Hewitt.
With the American Athletic Conference Tournament coming to Nashville this season, there is an added drive to make a triumphant return to the main stage and protect the home field.
“These goals never waiver,” added Hewitt when discussing the potential outcomes for the season.
The Competition:
The Vanderbilt schedule is not for the faint of heart; the AAC schedule alone is a beast. The gauntlet of games includes matches against two Week 1 Inside Lacrosse top-25 squads in James Madison (3) and Florida (13).
The Commodores’ schedule is also highlighted with two road games against nationally-ranked Johns Hopkins (13) and Penn State (17).
Vanderbilt opens its season at home on Saturday against Central Michigan. The Commodores have won back-to-back opening-day games thanks to an electrifying win over ranked Colorado to begin the 2023 season.
Hewitt’s teams are undefeated in home openers over her five-year career in Nashville and the Commodores are 23-8 overall all-time.
This game will be only the second matchup between Vanderbilt and Central Michigan. The Commodores prevailed in 2021’s early-season contest 16-10. The Chippewas head to Nashville 0-2 this season with losses at Butler and No.7 Notre Dame during opening weekend.
The Commodores and Chippewas will meet at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex on Saturday at noon. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
