Vanderbilt’s lacrosse season has officially come to an end following a 16-6 loss to JMU in the AAC finals. The Commodores had a successful season despite the loss, going 9-9 overall and 3-3 in conference play. Prior to its loss to the Dukes, Vanderbilt was on a three-game win streak, which included a playoff-clinching win over Old Dominion.
Vanderbilt sported a 9-8 record last season, with its season ending in the same semifinal stage as this year. While this season may not jump out on paper, especially compared to the season prior, it was still a successful campaign for head coach Beth Hewitt and Co.
Take, for example, the superb play of Jaime Biskup. The graduate student played her fifth and final collegiate season at Vanderbilt after four years at Virginia and dominated for the ‘Dores. Biskup led the team in goals (46), assists (20) and points en route to earning All-AAC First Team honors. Brooke Baker and Kemper Robinson also joined Biskup on the All-AAC first team. The former scored 43 goals in her final season, while the latter dominated on both ends with 26 goals and a team-leading 36 caused turnovers.
Then, there’s star attack Nancy Halleron. The senior came back with a vengeance after missing all of last season. Halleron placed second on the team in goals with 43, including a stretch of three-straight games with four points against East Carolina, Lindenwood and Xavier. Halleron’s performance this season was recognized by both Vanderbilt Athletics and the AAC, as she was awarded the Golden ‘Dore for Female Comeback Player of the Year and earned All-AAC Second Team honors. With a medical redshirt year still available, the hope is that Halleron can return next season and become the primary leader on the team — the role Biskup filled this season.
On the defensive side of the field, Alex Gladding followed her fantastic first-year campaign with a stellar sophomore season. Like Halleron, Gladding received an All-AAC Second Team selection for her efforts, which included 21 caused turnovers and a team-leading 38 ground balls. Also contributing on the defensive side were Elise Bialecki and McKenna Harden, who were both top-five in caused turnovers and amassed a combined 40 ground balls.
Finally, Molly Joyce needs to receive her flowers. The junior had only appeared in a single game prior to this season but took the cage for all 18 games this year, recording 125 saves and a .414 save percentage. Joyce really found her stride towards the end of the year, recording a .571 save percentage in back-to-back games against Old Dominion and Xavier. She also came up clutch in the one-goal win over Temple, making several timely saves in the fourth quarter.
Many of the team’s major contributors will not be returning next season, leaving much uncertainty around the future of the program. In the Old Dominion match, for instance, all 16 goals were scored by players honored during the senior day ceremony. Hewitt acknowledged the performance of her seniors in her media availability after the game.
“I’m so proud of that group,” Hewitt said. “The development that they’ve had over the four years is pretty remarkable.”
The loss of players like Baker, Biskup and Robinson, on top of other contributors like Molly Finlay, Cate Bradley, Maddie Barkate and so many others, will leave big shoes to fill next season. Luckily, contributors like Anna Taraboletti and Amiyah Turner will return, but still, other players will have to step up big.
Captain Logan Risenhoover — who played only three games this season due to an ACL injury — is set to return for her senior season and emerge as a leader on the team. First-years like Anna Szporn and Shea Panzik showed strong contributions in their limited time, so look for them to make massive contributions in their new roles.
Overall, Vanderbilt is filled with a lot of talent top-to-bottom, and it showed this season. With some very impressive wins, the Commodore faithful had plenty to cheer for. Looking forward, the talent must evolve, especially with the absence of the graduating players. Anticipate learning some new names, but with Hewitt at the helm and young talent waiting in the wings, there’s plenty of reason for optimism going into 2026.
