Vanderbilt Athletics Celebrate Historic Weekend with Dominant Wins

Vanderbilt University showcased a remarkable athletic performance over the weekend, highlighted by significant victories in football, women’s basketball, and women’s tennis. The standout moment came from the football team, which delivered a commanding 45-17 win against Kentucky, marking a historic achievement for the program.

The Commodores’ football victory was largely attributed to the exceptional play of Diego Pavia. He threw for an impressive 484 passing yards and five touchdowns, setting a new school record for most passing yards in a single game. Pavia’s display on the field not only secured the win but also bolstered his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. The team’s defense showed marked improvement, limiting Kentucky to just 81 total yards in the first half and three points through the first three quarters. This victory represented Vanderbilt’s ninth win of the regular season, the first time the team has achieved this since 1915.

Strong Performances Across Sports

In women’s basketball, Vanderbilt continued its momentum with two decisive wins. On Friday, the Commodores triumphed over Alabama State, defeating them 92-38. The team started strong, leading 24-9 at the end of the first quarter and outscoring the Hornets 27-6 in the third quarter. Aga Makurat led the scoring with 21 points, while Mikayla Blakes contributed 19 points.

Following that, Vanderbilt secured a 99-43 victory against Tennessee State on Sunday. The Commodores established an early advantage, leading 31-6 at one point, and maintained control throughout the game. Freshman point guard Aubrey Galvan shone with 15 assists and nine rebounds, matching the program record for assists in a game by a freshman. The women’s basketball team will next compete in the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands, starting with a game against Oregon State on Thanksgiving Day.

Vanderbilt’s bowling team also had a successful weekend, finishing second at the Colonial Lanes Classic hosted by Tulane University. The team advanced to the championship round after sweeping No. 2 Nebraska in the semifinals. In the final, Vanderbilt won the first game against No. 6 Arkansas State, but ultimately fell short, losing the next three games.

Highlights from Tennis and Swimming

The women’s tennis team made headlines as well, with the duo of Céline-Belle Mohr and Sophia Webster reaching the NCAA Doubles Championships. They defeated Virginia in the quarterfinals and overcame Oklahoma in the semifinals, showcasing their skill and determination. Although they faced a tough challenge against NC State in the championship match, the pair ended as runners-up, demonstrating their talent on a national stage.

In swimming, Vanderbilt concluded the fall season with a tenth-place finish at the Phil Hansel Invitational. The team will resume competition on January 16 against Kentucky and Texas A&M, aiming to build on their performances.

Vanderbilt’s volleyball team had a notable run in the SEC Tournament, winning consecutive matches against Mississippi State and Georgia before falling to No. 2 seed Texas A&M. Their victories were significant, as it marked the first time this season the team won consecutive games against SEC opponents.

As the weekend came to a close, Vanderbilt athletics reflected a spirit of excellence and achievement across multiple sports, setting the stage for an exciting winter season ahead. The university is set to open its 2026 baseball season in just 83 days, further adding to the anticipation among fans and athletes alike.