The No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores (12-3-1, 6-2-1 SEC) are looking to extend their five-game win streak in the SEC against South Carolina (10-2-5, 4-1-4) on Oct. 26. Let’s look at some key components to the game as Vanderbilt looks to keep its momentum going into the postseason.
Strength in striking
Vanderbilt completely controlled the field in its 2-0 statement win against No. 4 Tennessee, marking the Commodores’ fifth-straight SEC victory. They have scored 12 goals in their last four games, as opposed to just six in their first five conference games. Vanderbilt has been more intentional about striking the ball as many times as possible until yielding results, with the Commodores attempting 17 shots against Tennessee. First-year Reagan Pentz got things rolling early with her goal in the ninth minute along with junior forward Sydney Watts, who showed consistency by scoring in the last two matches. Look at this duo to once again be crucial in the Commodore offensive scheme on Sunday. If the Commodores persist in their attacking intent, their offense will be hard for the Gamecocks to contain.
Rising Reagan
The first-year midfielder Pentz has quickly come into the spotlight for Vanderbilt, earning her first career goal against No. 4 Tennessee to be named SEC Freshman of the Week. Over the course of 14 games, she has had five assists, making her second on the team for assists overall. With 40% of her shots on target, she connects her accuracy with field awareness, working with forward Olivia Stafford and midfielder Courtney Jones to attack the opposition’s third of the field efficiently. Pentz’s composure against Tennessee demonstrates her ability to show up in high-pressure moments — a trait that makes her a continuous threat. As Vanderbilt prepares to face South Carolina, Pentz will be a crucial piece of a path to victory, adding depth to the offense and working fluidly with the team’s upperclassmen leaders. Moreover, her veteran mentality under pressure will benefit the Commodores’ midfield as it moves into the post-season.
Sneaky South Carolina
Vanderbilt will need to be on full alert against South Carolina, a team that has scored 30 goals in only 16 games. Forward Katie Shea Collins is perhaps the biggest scoring threat the Gamecocks possess, having scored 10 goals this season. Around her are plenty of other weapons, though, including forward Mackenzie Johnson and midfielder Cuyler Zulauf who have combined for 11 goals and 5 assists. With the Gamecocks’ impressive 49.3% rate of shots on goal this season, Vanderbilt needs to work to defend all areas of the field adequately, leaving no room for error or preventable goals. Controlling South Carolina in the midfield and maintaining possession to limit their offense will be crucial to Vanderbilt extending its SEC win streak.
Vanderbilt will play at South Carolina on Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. CDT.
