Vanderbilt University showcased a remarkable display of athletic prowess over the weekend, highlighted by significant performances across multiple sports during the “Weekend on the West End.” From cross country to football, the Commodores made headlines both at home and on the road.
The weekend kicked off on Friday morning with the men’s and women’s cross country teams competing at the Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa. The men’s team secured a strong fifth-place finish, while the women’s team came in fourth. Luke Churchwell led the men’s team, finishing 17th overall with a time of 24:28. On the women’s side, Tyla Lumley made her mark by finishing eighth with a time of 19:59, closely followed by Claire Petersen, who finished just nine seconds later.
Vanderbilt baseball took to the diamond that evening for two exhibition games against Murray State. The Commodores demonstrated their offensive strength, winning both matches decisively with scores of 7-1 and 10-1. Brodie Johnston had a standout performance, hitting two home runs, including a grand slam in the second game. This display of power signals promising potential as the team prepares for the upcoming season, set to begin on February 13, 2026.
On the volleyball court, the Commodores faced tough competition, losing two closely contested matches against LSU and Ole Miss. In the match against LSU, Vanderbilt won two of the first three sets but ultimately fell short, losing the decisive tiebreaker 15-10. A similar fate awaited them on Sunday as they battled Ole Miss, again winning the fourth set but losing the tiebreaker 15-11.
The highlight of the weekend for Vanderbilt Athletics occurred at FirstBank Stadium on Sunday when the football team achieved a historic victory over LSU. For the first time since 1990, the 17th-ranked Commodores triumphed over the 10th-ranked Tigers, winning 31-24. The offense found momentum early, with quarterback Diego Pavia leading the team effectively. Tight end Cole Spence was instrumental in the victory, recording five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding openings against a formidable defense.
In bowling, the Commodores finished fifth at the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic. Despite dropping matches against No. 6 Arkansas State and No. 4 Youngstown State, they concluded the weekend on a high note by defeating Sacred Heart. The bowling team will head to Orlando, Florida, for the Destination Orlando event scheduled for October 24-26.
In a thrilling conclusion to the weekend, Vanderbilt’s women’s soccer team, ranked 21st, pulled off a stunning upset against No. 4 Tennessee, winning 2-0. The scoring began early in the match with a goal from Reagan Pentz, assisted by Olivia Stafford and Courtney Jones. A second goal by Sydney Watts in the 82nd minute, with an assist from Grace Freeman, sealed the victory. This win marked the first top-five victory in the program’s history, showcasing the team’s growth and determination. Goalie Sara Wojdelko was outstanding, saving all six shots on goal from Tennessee.
As the Commodores look ahead, excitement builds for the upcoming basketball season, with the opener just 14 days away. Vanderbilt Athletics continues to push boundaries, aiming for excellence in all sports.
This weekend’s events underscore the thriving spirit of Vanderbilt Athletics, as teams rise to the occasion and create lasting memories for fans and players alike.
