Vanderbilt Athletics Shines During Action-Packed “Weekend on the West End”
Your daily update on all things Vanderbilt sports.
It was a busy and exciting weekend for Vanderbilt Athletics, with multiple teams in action both at home and on the road as part of the “Weekend on the West End.” From cross country meets in Alabama to a historic football win in Nashville, Commodore teams competed all across the country.
The action kicked off Friday morning when the men’s and women’s cross country teams competed at the Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa. The men’s team placed fifth overall, led by Luke Churchwell, who clocked in at 24:28 for 17th place individually. Sam Darmanie followed with a 25:03 finish, placing 41st. The women’s team finished fourth, with Tyla Lumley securing eighth place at 19:59, followed closely by Claire Petersen at 20:08.
Vanderbilt baseball also saw action Friday night, hosting two seven-inning exhibition games against Murray State. The Commodores dominated both matchups, winning 7-1 and 10-1. Brodie Johnston was the standout, hitting multiple home runs including a grand slam in the second game. The team showed increased offensive firepower as it looks ahead to the 2026 season, which starts on February 13.
On the volleyball court, Vanderbilt faced a tough weekend, falling in close five-set matches to both LSU and Ole Miss. Against LSU on Friday, the Commodores won two of the first three sets but couldn’t hold off the Tigers in the final two, losing the decisive fifth set 15-10. A similar scenario played out Sunday versus Ole Miss, with Vanderbilt forcing another fifth set before falling 15-11.
The weekend’s biggest highlight came at FirstBank Stadium, where Vanderbilt football pulled off a major upset, defeating No. 10 LSU 31-24—their first win over the Tigers since 1990. Quarterback Diego Pavia had a strong outing, but tight end Cole Spence stole the spotlight with five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding space against the LSU defense.
Elsewhere, Vanderbilt’s nationally ranked bowling team opened its season at the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic, placing fifth overall. Despite losses to No. 6 Arkansas State and No. 4 Youngstown State, the team wrapped up the weekend with a win over Sacred Heart. Next up: the Destination Orlando tournament from Oct. 24-26.
Sunday’s soccer match brought another major win for the Commodores as No. 21 Vanderbilt upset No. 4 Tennessee with a 2-0 shutout—marking the program’s first-ever victory over a top-five team. Reagan Pentz scored early in the 9th minute with assists from Olivia Stafford and Courtney Jones. In the 82nd minute, Sydney Watts sealed the win with a second goal, assisted by Grace Freeman. Goalkeeper Sara Wojdelko delivered a stellar performance, stopping all six shots on goal from Tennessee.
Quote of the Day:
“There are no ceilings. We want to go as far as we can go,” said goalkeeper Sara Wojdelko after the historic soccer win.
Today’s Commodore Action:
- Women’s golf at The Ally – Day 1
- Women’s tennis at the ITA Ohio Valley Regional – Day 5
Weekend Results Recap:
- Men’s Cross Country: 5th at Crimson Classic
- Women’s Cross Country: 4th at Crimson Classic
- Baseball: Beat Murray State 7-1 and 10-1 (exhibitions)
- Volleyball: Lost 3-2 to LSU and 3-2 to Ole Miss
- Football: Defeated No. 10 LSU 31-24
- Soccer: Beat No. 4 Tennessee 2-0
- Bowling: 5th place at Penguin Classic
Countdown to 2025 Basketball Tip-Off:
14 days remaining.
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