Vanderbilt Athletics Celebrate Thrilling Victories in Football, Soccer

Vanderbilt University athletics enjoyed a remarkable weekend, showcasing its prowess across multiple sports. The highlight came on Saturday, when the football team secured a thrilling **45-38** overtime victory against Auburn University. The game was particularly intense, as Vanderbilt initially trailed **17-3** and went into halftime down **20-10**. A change in offensive strategy ignited a comeback, spearheaded by quarterback **Diego Pavia**, a Heisman Trophy candidate. Pavia delivered a season-high **377 passing yards**, three touchdowns, and rushed for **112 yards** along with an additional touchdown. His efforts culminated in a game-winning touchdown pass to Cole Spence during overtime, bringing Vanderbilt’s record to **8-2** as they head into their second bye week of the season.

Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team achieved a significant road victory against the University of Central Florida (UCF), winning **105-93**. The Commodores demonstrated offensive dominance, shooting **56 percent** from the floor and landing **14 three-pointers** throughout the game. They built a commanding **27-point** lead in the second half, though UCF made a late push. Vanderbilt guard **Duke Miles** led all scorers with **20 points**, finishing with an **8-for-13** shooting performance. The team will return home to face Eastern Kentucky on **Wednesday at 18:00 CT**.

Soccer Championship and Bowling Highlights

On Sunday, Vanderbilt women’s soccer added to the weekend’s success by clinching the **SEC Tournament Championship** with a dramatic **2-1** victory over fifth-seed LSU. LSU opened the scoring in the **26th minute**, but Vanderbilt’s **Vivian Akyirem** equalized in the **70th minute**. The match extended into two overtime periods, ultimately leading to a shootout where both teams were locked at **7-7** after nine rounds. In the decisive tenth round, Vanderbilt scored its eighth goal, and goalkeeper **Sara Wojdelko** made a crucial save to secure the championship. This win positions the Commodores favorably as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, which begins on **Friday**.

In bowling, the third-ranked Commodores finished in **third place** at the Bulldog Classic hosted by Louisiana Tech. They completed a strong showing by winning all three matches on Sunday, solidifying their top-three finish. Conversely, the volleyball team faced challenges, suffering a **3-0** defeat against in-state rival Tennessee. Despite a fiercely competitive second set that ended **25-22**, Vanderbilt struggled to maintain momentum, marking their eighth loss in the last nine matches. The team is set to travel to Alabama for their next match on **Friday**.

Tennis and Noteworthy Performances

In women’s tennis, **Sonya Macavei** and **Sophia Webster** each completed the weekend with impressive **3-0** records, winning their singles matches on Sunday. Webster triumphed over Kentucky’s **Elena Molla** in two sets (**7-5, 6-2**), while Macavei defeated Kentucky’s **Ellie Myers** with a decisive **6-1, 6-1** scoreline. Additionally, **Valeria Ray** secured her spot at the NCAA Singles Championship for the second consecutive year after defeating Tennessee’s **Leyla Britez Risso** at the ITA Sectional Championships.

The Commodores’ weekend results reflect a mix of triumphs and challenges across their athletic programs. The upcoming schedule includes significant matches and tournaments that will be crucial for the teams as they seek to build on their recent successes.