May 8, 2010
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Despite three goals from senior Anastasia Adam and junior Katherine Denkler and a strong second half effort, the No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores fell to No. 2 Northwestern in the ALC Championship Game at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, 23-14.
“There are not many games where you can say it was a tale of two halves, but in this one it was,” said Commodore Head Coach Cathy Swezey. “Hopefully that shows our girls that for a full 60 minutes, we can play with the best in the country. We just need to step up if we ever see them again.”
The Wildcats opened the game with two goals in the first minute before Adam got the Commodores on the scoreboard. Northwestern went on to put together five straight goals before the half to go up 15-5. Vanderbilt sophomore Kendall Pittinger’s goal with 0:47 left in the half gave the ‘Dores a 15-6 deficit.
After Shannon’s Smith goal made it 16-6 at the opening of the second half, Vanderbilt put together its best stretch with four consecutive goals, including two by Denkler, to come within six points of the lead. The Commodores’ second half surge would prove to be a case of too little too late as the Wildcats closed out the win for their sixth straight ALC title.
In addition to Adam and Denkler, seniors Allie Frank and Carter Foote had multiple goals with two each. Senior Sarah Downing led the ‘Dores with five ground balls.
The Wildcats were led by sophomore Shannon Smith, who finished with a game-high seven goals.
The Commodores will have to wait until Sunday night, May 9, to learn of their postseason fate. Vanderbilt looks to be up for its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. First round games are scheduled for either Saturday, May 15, or Sunday, May 16, at selected campus sites.
