KENNESAW, Ga. — Senior Emily Mathewson’s five goals, including the 100th of her career, led 10 different scorers and guided Vanderbilt women’s lacrosse to a 21-11 victory over Kennesaw State on Wednesday.
“We had a slow start to the first half and you have to give a lot of credit to Kennesaw State—they’re a good team,” Vanderbilt head coach Beth Hewitt said. “But our defense really tightened up. They are a very solid, experienced group who made adjustments and picked up their communication and aggressive play. Once we figured it out, we were able to settle in.”
It did not take long for Vanderbilt (2-1) to get going in this one. Mathewson scored the first goal of the game less than three minutes into the action. Senior Gwyn Devin would respond with a goal of her own less than a minute later to make it 2-0.
Vanderbilt and Kennesaw State (0-1) began trading goals before the Commodores scored three consecutive goals in the middle stages of the first half to make it 8-4.
The Owls scored four of the next six but the Commodores held a 10-8 advantage heading into intermission.
Vanderbilt began to hit its stride scoring 10 of the first 12 goals of the second half, including three from Mathewson, for a 20-10 advantage.
Karlie Bucci. THROW YOUR HATS.
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#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/FpoI7WsAWt— Vanderbilt Lacrosse (@VandyLacrosse) February 19, 2020
Junior Halle Regan led the Commodores with five ground balls and Mathewson led the team with six draw controls. Goalkeeper Paige Gunning made five saves.
Eight Commodores registered an assist, including Gabby Fornia who moved into eighth place in the school record book with the 57th of her career.
Vanderbilt’s 20 goals were the most since scoring 22 against Connecticut last season.
Vanderbilt will be back in action at 1 p.m. Saturday for their first home game of the season against Lehigh.
