COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – After a week of practice, the Commodores opened up the competition slate with a 1-0 exhibition win over Tennessee Tech on Sunday night. Kaylann Boydput away the game-winner with a header in the 85th minute off a cross from Haley Hopkins.
“I was pleased with the way we approached the game. We kept our defensive shape very well and had good moments in possession,” said head coach Darren Ambrose.
The visiting Commodores held an 8-2 advantage in shots but the teams ended the game with two shots on goal each. Grace Johnson, Paola Ellis and Haley Hopkins each collected two shots with Ellis and Boyd registering shots on goal. Hopkins recorded the lone assist of the contest.
“We need to focus on being a little more efficient in and around the box as we had a lot of the ball in the final third but didn’t generate as many chances as we wanted. Overall, it gave us a chance to see everyone play and give us a direction in our training,” said Ambrose.
In lieu of the traditional, two 45-minute halves the teams played three 30-minute halves with every available player on the Commodore roster seeing action. Lauren Demarchi, Taiana Tolleson and Sarah Fuller combined for the shutout in goal with Demarchi and Fuller each recording saves.
The Commodores will host Memphis on Aug. 11 in their final preseason tune-up before kicking off the regular season in earnest against Florida State on Aug. 16 in Tallahassee. Vanderbilt will open the home slate on Aug. 24 against Miami (Fla.) in the Music City Invitational.
