Dec. 15, 2014
UPDATE ON THE DORES
RECORD: 7-2
CURRENT STREAK: Won two
UPCOMING GAMES:
Dec. 18: at Marquette, Noon
Dec. 21: host Dayton, 2 p.m.
Dec. 29: host James Madison, 7 p.m.
After an 11-day layoff between games for final exams, the Vanderbilt WBB team showed no signs of being out of sync Sunday while rolling to a 66-50 win over Elon. Now, the Commodores turn their attention to another road game — a visit to Marquette on Thursday — followed by two straight home games to finish out the month. Here’s a closer look at what’s ahead for the team, along with a quick recap of Vanderbilt’s last game.
IT’S GOING TO BE LOUD
When the Commodores visit Marquette on Thursday for a rare mid-week afternoon contest, they can expect an enthusiastic crowd that is certain to include lots of high-pitched screaming. The Marquette WBB program is hosting Education Day, and it is anticipated that a huge collection of school-aged children will attend the game. It will be the second time this season that the Commodores have been involved with this promotion. On Nov. 24, Vanderbilt hosted Education Day at Memorial Gym, and roughly 3,000 children attended the game and watched the Commodores down St. Louis, 75-57. Vanderbilt officials plan for Education Day to become an annual event.
KEEPING THEIR BAGS PACKED
Thursday’s game represents Vanderbilt’s second consecutive road game, and is the Commodores’ sixth game away from home this season. During November, the Commodores made a trip to Wisconsin (Nov. 20), and then played three games in the Gulfcoast Showcase in Estero, Fla. during the Thanksgiving break.
SPECIAL TRIP FOR BOWE
Vanderbilt post player Heather Bowe is certain to have a big group of supporters for Thursday’s game in Milwaukee. Bowe is from Eau Claire, Wisc. — which is about a four-hour drive from Milwaukee — and was a high-school standout at Regis High (in Eau Claire). Bowe, who recently completed a suspension for violation of academic policy, saw her first action of the season on Sunday and scored a team-high 15 points in the win over Elon. (More details below).
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
Vanderbilt fans can get in the festive spirit at Memorial Gym in the days ahead. The Commodores’ game on Dec. 21 against Dayton has been designated to included the annual “Teddy Bear Toss” promotion, which is always one of the most popular events of the season. Fans are encouraged to purchase new Teddy Bears and other stuffed animals to bring to the gym. At halftime, fans can participate in a contest in which they attempt to throw the stuffed animals toward a target at mid court. The person with the closest toss will receive a Vanderbilt prize pack. More importantly, all of the stuffed animals will be donated to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as Christmas presents. Also, the Dec. 21 game against Dayton, will be “Ugly Sweater Day” at Memorial Gym. All fans who wear their most gaudy Christmas sweater to the game can get a ticket for the discounted price of $5. NOTE: The Vanderbilt men’s team will host Ugly Sweater Night on Dec. 22, and fans wearing ugly sweaters can get a ticket for $10.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING!
Sunday’s game will also feature one very jolly fan at Memorial Gym — Ol’ Saint Nick himself. Fans wanting to visit with Santa can find him in the Southeast lobby, beginning about 45 minutes before tipoff. He will also be assisting with the Teddy Bear Toss at halftime.
ROAD WIN
In its most recent contest, Vanderbilt posted a 66-50 victory over Elon on Sunday in Elon, N.C. Junior post player Heather Bowe, seeing her first action of the season, scored a team-high 15 points. Junior Morgan Batey also had a huge game, finishing with 14 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Bowe, who became eligible this week after completing a suspension for violating academic policy, finished 6-of-10 from the floor, and also added one steal, one assist and one blocked shot for the Commodores (7-2). … Vanderbilt became the first SEC team to ever visit Alumni Gym for a game against the Phoenix. … The Commodores dominated the stat sheet, including owning a 52-29 advantage in rebounds, and outscoring Elon, 22-2, on second-chance points. … Vanderbilt’s Rebekah Dahlman had 13 points and seven rebounds, and Kristen Gaffney continued her strong play with 10 points and four rebounds.
SEASON-LONG GIVE AWAYS
When the starting lineups are being introduced at home game this season, 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! Vanderbilt fans can also look forward to several in-game promotions, including the T-shirt toss (thrown by cheerleaders during timeouts) and gold-shaker giveaways, along with free posters and wallet-sized schedules that are available at the marketing tables. After the game, the Vanderbilt players will throw miniature basketballs into the stands
