NASHVILLE, Tenn.–Amy Baumann’s second goal of the game came with four minutes left in the second overtime to lift Vanderbilt to a 3-2 win over Mississippi State in Southeastern Conference soccer action Sunday afternoon at the VU Soccer Complex.
Vanderbilt continued its late season run to the conference tournament to improve to 6-8-3 overall and 3-4-2 in league action. VU is 1-0-1 in its last three games.
Mississippi State fell to 6-10-1 on the year and 2-6-1 in SEC play.
“At this point in the season, with what was riding on this game, an opportunity to stay in the mix to go to the SEC tourney in Orange Beach, it feels great to have that win,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Coveleskie.
The Commodores dominated the match statistically, holding a 40-15 shot advantage, including a 15-6 shot on goal lead.
Mississippi State took an early 1-0 lead at the 8:15 mark when Treena Ferguson scored her seventh goal of the year on a slow roller that got into the net when VU keeper Rachel Bachtel was on the ground after diving to make a play.
Vanderbilt tied the game when Amy Baumann scored from two yards.
The game went into the half tied at 1-1 with VU holding a 20-11 shot advantage.
MSU took the lead back at the 52:09 mark when Katelyn Graben scored her fifth goal on the year to make it 2-1.
Vanderbilt tied the game at the 65:38 point when Mary Rachel Reynolds blasted a free kick from outside the 18-yard box for her first collegiate goal.
VU controlled the second half and overtime, holding a 20-4 shot advantage in that span.
Baumann’s goal came at the 106:02 mark on a long assist from Taylour Claxton. Baumann then shot it in past the MSU keeper to win the game.
“Amy is an unsung hero for us in the midfield,” said Coveleskie. “Her work rate is irreplaceable for us. She is a great leader, and it is really fitting that she scored two goals in a must win situation for us.
Vanderbilt will close out its home campaign on Friday as Kentucky comes to town for a pivotal SEC matchup. Gametime is set for 7 p.m., and it will be Senior Night as Vanderbilt recognizes five student-athletes playing their final home match: Amy Baumann, Sarah Dennis, Brette Healy, Meredith Kohn and Audrey Nonemaker.
“We understand the pressure we are under right now, and I think the girls feel good,” said Coveleskie. “They are still full of energy and life, and that is what happens when you win a game in overtime. It feels really great to have some momentum coming off of the weekend.”
