In the fifth game of a six-game homestand, Vanderbilt celebrated its seniors (Caroline Betts, Mia Castillo, Rachel Deresky, Jada Konte, Addie Porter, Sara Wojdelko and Francesca Yanchuk) in a nonconference matchup against Middle Tennessee. The Commodores bested the Blue Raiders 3-0 on Sunday night to extend their unbeaten streak to six games.
Vanderbilt was the heavy favorite going into the game after clobbering Belmont 5-0, the same team that gave Middle Tennessee a loss in its season opener. With the win, the Black and Gold bounced back from the 0-0 deadlock against Kansas that left head coach Darren Ambrose furious.
Ambrose was more positive over tonight’s performance.
“It’s a good response [to the draw with Kansas]. It’s nice to see our seniors score a couple goals as well,” Ambrose said.
The Commodores dominated from kickoff, taking the ball into the final third and applying pressure at the top of the box at the game’s start. Betts proved to be a problem for the Blue Raiders right away, making explosive runs down the sideline that, albeit unsuccessful, would represent a persistent threat throughout the evening.
Vanderbilt’s midfield did a great job of keeping the ball in Middle Tennessee’s half, providing organized pressure that it often lacked against Kansas. That pressure helped Vanderbilt stay on the offensive and win four corner kicks in the first 15 minutes.
In the 16th minute, Abi Brighton found a flying Betts down the sideline, and Betts took the ball herself all the way from midfield to the touchline. Her patience paid off, and she found Deresky in the box, who masterfully placed the ball in the bottom-right of the net and put the Commodores up 1-0.
The Blue Raiders finally had a breakthrough in the 24th minute as left winger Lexi Dendis dribbled her way into Vanderbilt’s box. A heroic tackle from Jessica Hinton stifled what would have been an otherwise open shot on goal. Minutes later, Middle Tennessee’s keeper nearly had a devastating accident after the ball stuck to her glove on a throw and nearly dribbled back into her net.
Persistent pressure paid off for the Commodores once more, as they found themselves in a three-on-three in Middle Tennessee’s third. Slow play by Melania Fullerton ultimately cost Vanderbilt the chance, and the Blue Raiders regained possession.
After some buildup in the midfield, Middle Tennessee made their way into Vanderbilt’s third, and Megan Carroll whipped in a shot from the top of the box. Wojdelko, who kept her fifth clean sheet of the season in the win, easily caught the attempt.
Middle Tennessee continued to control play for several minutes, but Yanchuk won the ball back for Vanderbilt. Thanks to Yanchuk, Addie Porter got a great look from inside the box, but her shot bounced off the left post. The ball bounced around in Middle Tennessee’s box before Ella Eggleston was able to gain control and belt a shot that the goalie parried.
By the 45th minute, the referee’s whistle blew, signifying the end of the first half, and the Commodores walked into the locker room-goal lead with only a one but plenty of momentum.
That momentum came flying out of the gates immediately as Julianne Leskauskas ripped a shot on target within the first minute of the second half.
It wasn’t long before Betts came streaking down the left again to whip another cross into the box. History repeated itself as the cross found Deresky once again, and the senior slotted the ball home. The score, which put the ‘Dores up 2-0, represented the second Betts-to-Deresky combination of the night.
Over the next couple of minutes, Betts sent two more crosses into Middle Tennessee’s box. While neither found a Commodore’s foot, Betts continued pressure from the wings, which helped solidify her as Vanderbilt’s senior night standout.
In the 62nd minute, Kate Devine came in for Wojdelko to make her first appearance of the season. The graduate student held down the fort for the rest of the game to secure the combined shutout.
Yet another Betts cross secured a penalty kick for Vanderbilt after a review revealed that the ball glanced off a Middle Tennessee defender’s hand. Sydney Watts stepped up to take the kick, but an outstretched Demi Gronauer stopped her effort.
Seconds later, the Betts-Deresky connection cashed out once again. This time, the roles reversed, and Deresky found Betts with a perfect cross into the box. The goal was Vanderbilt’s third of the night, with all three being credited to Betts and Deresky on the stat sheet. A fitting night for the seniors, who have given their all to Vanderbilt since arriving in 2021.
“It’s been so special to be a part of the team since coming in freshman year,” Betts said. “You just get a special bond with each girl on the team and it’s been so fun to grow those relationships.”
Vanderbilt’s offense wreaked havoc on the Blue Raiders for the rest of the game. Nyela Calnek registered a shot on goal after a Deresky cross from the left, and soon after, Watts dribbled by several Middle Tennessee players but sent her shot into the post.
In the end, the Commodores earned their fifth shutout in six games this season, convincingly winning 3-0. They’ll finish off their homestand this Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. CDT with a matchup against Eastern Kentucky.
