LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Vanderbilt maintained its perfect start after defeating Louisville, 9-8, in overtime on Wednesday at the University of Louisville Stadium.
The game-winning goal came off the stick of Emily Mathewson with four seconds to spare in overtime. Mathewson finished the game with two goals and has scored in every game so far for the Dores, with multi-goal performances in her past two games.
Lily Argyle earned her third win of the season after posting her best performance in net in her Commodore career. She posted a career-high 14 saves in the contest.
The Commodores (4-0) fell behind early, facing their first deficit of the season at 3-1 with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. They then went on a 6-0 run to close the first half and take a 7-3 lead into the break.
Mathewson sparked the run for the Commodores ahead of goals from Karlie Bucci, Gwyn Devin, Gabby Fornia and Bri Gross. Gwyn ended the first half with back-to-back goals.
Gross continued to fill the stat sheet for the Dores with three draw controls, two caused turnovers, one assist and one ground ball.
Gwyn opened up the second half with a goal for the hat trick, but the Commodores wouldn’t score again until Mathewson’s game-winner in overtime. Louisville (1-4) ended the second half on a 5-0 run to tie the game and send it to overtime.
The Dores were solid defensively throughout Wednesday’s game with Julie Blaze, Melissa Hawkins and Halle Regan all collecting three ground balls while Regan led the way with two caused turnovers.
It was Vanderbilt’s first win in Louisville and first win against the Cardinals since 2012.
The Commodores are off to their best start since 2008, and they are one of 18 remaining unbeaten teams left in the nation.
Up next, Vanderbilt stays on the road to begin its spring break road trip and face No. 7 Denver on Sunday.
