Vanderbilt Athletics Celebrates Big Wins Across Multiple Sports

Vanderbilt University athletics experienced a remarkable weekend, highlighted by significant victories across various sports. The standout performance came from the football team, which achieved a decisive 45-17 victory over the University of Kentucky. This win marked a historic moment for the Commodores, as they secured their ninth regular-season win for the first time since 1915.

The football game showcased a stellar performance from quarterback Diego Pavia, who threw for a record-breaking 484 passing yards and five touchdowns. His achievement set a new school record for most passing yards in a single game, positioning him as a serious contender for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Defensively, the Commodores demonstrated marked improvement, conceding just 81 total yards of offense in the first half and allowing only three points through the first three quarters.

Success in Swimming and Women’s Basketball

In addition to football, the Vanderbilt swimming team concluded its fall season with a commendable tenth-place finish at the Phil Hansel Invitational. The team’s performance was led by standout swimmers Melissa Cowen and Aubrey Hull. The Commodores will return to the pool on January 16, 2024, competing against the University of Kentucky and Texas A&M University.

The women’s basketball team also enjoyed a successful weekend, securing two wins against mid-major opponents. On Friday, they overwhelmed Alabama State with a final score of 92-38. The Commodores established control early, outpacing the Hornets with a dominant 27-6 third quarter. Aga Makurat led the team with 21 points, while Mikayla Blakes contributed 19 points.

On Sunday, Vanderbilt continued its winning streak, defeating Tennessee State 99-43. The Commodores quickly built an impressive 31-6 lead and maintained their momentum throughout the game. Freshman point guard Aubrey Galvan shone with a performance that included 15 assists, matching the program record for most assists in a game by a freshman.

Bowling and Tennis Highlights

Vanderbilt’s bowling team also made headlines by finishing in second place at the Colonial Lanes Classic, hosted by Tulane University. The Commodores advanced to the championship round after sweeping the second-ranked Nebraska in the semifinals. Despite a strong start in the final against sixth-ranked Arkansas State, Vanderbilt lost the match, concluding their fall season on a high note. They will return to competition on January 16, 2026, at the Sacred Heart Northeast Classic.

In women’s tennis, the duo of Céline-Belle Mohr and Sophia Webster advanced to the NCAA Doubles Championships, showcasing their skills throughout the tournament. They defeated Virginia in the quarterfinals and overcame Oklahoma in the semifinals, ultimately facing NC State in the championship match. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short, finishing as runners-up.

Vanderbilt’s athletics program is gearing up for further challenges, with the women’s basketball team set to compete in the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. They will face Oregon State on Thanksgiving Day at 19:00 CT on ESPN+.

Overall, the weekend was a testament to the strength and versatility of Vanderbilt athletics, as multiple teams demonstrated their competitive spirit and skill on the national stage. As the seasons progress, fans eagerly anticipate more exciting performances from the Commodores.