TEMPE, Ariz. – Vanderbilt maintained its perfect start to 2019 after defeating Arizona State, 15-14, at the Sun Devil Lacrosse Complex on Tuesday.
The Commodores (5-0) are off to their best start since 2008 when they also started off 5-0. Vanderbilt held off a late second attack from Arizona State to hold on for the lead and its second straight single-goal victory.
Vanderbilt is one of nine teams still perfect to start 2019.
Once again, Emily Mathewson led the Dores offensively by scoring four goals, including the final two goals of the game to seal the win. She also had one assist and one ground ball to complete the day.
The Commodores began the day with a goal from Gabby Fornia in the first minute to take an early lead. After the Sun Devils jumped out to a 3-2 advantage, the Commodores answered with a 5-0 run to retake a lead they would not relinquish.
After Mathewson, Hadley Brown, Gwyn Devin and Callie Sundin notched multi-goal games, each scoring two goals apiece. Julie Blaze, Karlie Bucci, Mattern Burnett and Sophie Furlong added one goal each.
Melissa Hawkins, Alex Rasmussen and Halle Regan led the defensive effort for Vanderbilt. Regan had a team-high four ground balls with Hawkins and Rasmussen having two each. Hawkins also had a game-high two caused turnovers.
Bri Gross and Sundin were also key off the draw as they pulled in career-bests in draw controls in the game. Gross hauled in seven while Sundin pulled in four, including the draw in the final 90 seconds for the Commodores to maintain possession and the win.
Lily Argyle started in goal for the Commodores and improved to 4-0 while making four saves.
Up next, the Commodores wrap up their road trip against San Diego State on Friday at 9 p.m. CT. Saturday’s matchup is set to be streamed on YouTube.
