NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt opens its 2024-25 season at Sacred Heart’s Destination Orlando ranked fourth in the National Tenpin Coaches Association preseason poll as the Commodores embark on another highly anticipated run. The tournament will be held at AMF Sky Lanes Friday through Sunday.
The team returns All-Americans senior Paige Peters and junior Victoria Varano, along with sophomore standout Haley Lindley, while welcoming Jacksonville State transfer and second-team All-American Isabel Allen.
Vanderbilt’s experienced roster also includes seniors Kailee Channell and Kaylee Hitt, junior Alyssa Ballard, and sophomore Natalie Kent. Freshmen Sydney Bohn, Stephanie Hong and Saphyre Nofuente bring new talent to complete the lineup.
Tournament field
Entering his 21st season as head coach for the Commodores, John Williamson acknowledged the challenge ahead for the No. 4-ranked Commodores as they prepare to face a highly competitive field.
“It will be a tough field,” Williamson said. “I want to see our team compete through all 13 matches and maintain a high level of effort throughout the weekend.”
He emphasized that success in this early-season tournament won’t be defined solely by wins but by the team’s ability to sustain high energy and a competitive spirit from start to finish.
“If we can do that, winning the tournament would be a by-product,” he added, underscoring the importance of building momentum and laying a strong foundation for the season ahead.
Williamson also talked about the importance of developing strong team dynamics early in the season.
“In general, the chemistry of the group is the most important thing,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter as much about the talent as it does how cohesively they interact in competitions and, subsequently, how they interact off the lanes. I feel like if we have a cohesive unit, we have a chance to be successful.”
“A cohesive unit comes with leadership, attention to detail and general accountability,” he concluded.
Associate head coach Josie Barnes echoed Williamson’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of communication in building team chemistry throughout the season.
“One thing we focused on is not just that they’re in here practicing together, but that they understand each other’s games before we get out there,” Barnes said. “I’m hoping that piece of it will make it feel like we’re more in spring semester mode rather than fall semester.”
This tournament will feature a highly competitive field, providing a first look at the teams for the season ahead. The group includes Alabama A&M, UAB, Alabama State, No. 2 Arkansas State, Bryant, Daemen, No. 23 Delaware State, No. 10 Duquesne, Emmanuel, Florida A&M, No. 1 Jacksonville State, No. 7 Louisiana Tech, Monmouth, No. 12 Mount Saint Mary’s, No. 6 North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M, No. 17 Sacred Heart, Saint Anselm College, No. 11 Stephen F. Austin, No. 13 Tulane, No. 4 Vanderbilt, Wright State, and No. 3 Youngstown State.
Schedule
Friday – 8:25 a.m. CT five sets of five Baker Games
Saturday – 7:25 a.m. five sets of five traditional games
Sunday – 7:25 a.m. best-of-seven Baker Bracket
Vanderbilt fans can follow the action live on YouTube and receive updates via X/Twitter.
