And then there is One: Vandy Makes it to the Sweet Sixteen!

Photo / #10 Melania Fullerton and Crew Celebrate Hard Fought Win / Vanderbilt Athletics

By David Oglesby

NASHVILLE — Of the five Tennessee-area teams that entered the NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament — Lipscomb, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee, Memphis and Vanderbilt — only one remains. No. 1 seed Vanderbilt survived a dramatic 2‑OT thriller in Nashville Friday night, downing eighth-seeded Clemson 3–2 on Adysen Armenta’s golden goal in the 107th minute to reach the Sweet Sixteen for the second straight year.

Vanderbilt fell behind early after Clemson converted a penalty just 47 seconds in, but the Commodores rallied after halftime. Sydney Watts tied it in the 55th minute and Mary Beth McLaughlin put Vandy ahead moments later. Clemson forced a second penalty and sent the match to overtime before Armenta capitalized on a deflection to deliver the decisive strike.

The result leaves the state’s postseason picture with mixed outcomes. Lipscomb’s historic run ended in a 1–0 loss to defending champion Florida State in the Second Round. Memphis fell 4–0 to No. 2 seed TCU, while Tennessee was eliminated by North Carolina, 3–1. Tennessee Tech bowed out to Vanderbilt, 2–0, in the opening round after a season in which the Golden Eagles posted a strong defensive showing.

Now the focus turns to the next test for the Commodores: an SEC matchup with LSU in the Round of 16. Vanderbilt will look to carry the momentum from Friday’s late heroics as it chases a deeper run in the tournament.