Vanderbilt Lacrosse Dominates Cincinnati in Record-Breaking Victory

By David Oglesby

NASHVILLE, TN – Vanderbilt lacrosse produced a spectacular performance on Friday, overpowering Cincinnati with a commanding 22-10 win at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex. The Commodores showcased their prowess, setting a new team record with 22 draw controls, driven by a remarkable 14 from Kiera Runkse, which established a new single-game benchmark. Vanderbilt (2-3) asserted its dominance in the second quarter, outscoring the Bearcats 8-0 to build a robust 12-2 lead at halftime. With the team's early momentum, they scored the first three goals of the match and maintained their advantage throughout.

Vanderbilt not only excelled in draw controls but also displayed impressive offensive contributions from multiple players. Nancy Halleron led the charge with a career-high seven goals, marking her presence as one of the formidable scorers of the match, while sophomore Bailey Lower also shined by achieving six goals of her own. Shea Panzik contributed significantly with her second career hat trick, alongside Garrison Morrill and Regan Torrisi, who both found the net for their first career goals. Moreover, Brooke Baker distributed three assists, while Molly Krestinski pitched in with a goal and two assists, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the Commodore offense.

Historically, the Commodores have enjoyed success against the Bearcats, leading the all-time series 11-3, and they’ve never lost a match in Music City. This victory also extended their winning streak over Cincinnati to three games. The two squads last faced off in the 2025 season, where Vanderbilt secured a 13-8 victory highlighted by hat tricks from both Halleron and Baker. This sense of rivalry continues to intensify as Vanderbilt seeks to establish its dominance in the league.

Established in 1996, the Vanderbilt lacrosse program has developed into a competitive force within NCAA Division I. Their historic peak came in 2004 when they became the first program from the central time zone to reach the NCAA national semifinals after a shocking upset over Loyola (Md.). Throughout its history, Vanderbilt lacrosse has produced numerous standout players, including Hall of Famer Michelle Allen and record-holders like Margie Curran and Gabby Fornia. Under the guidance of head coach Beth Hewitt, who has remained at the helm for several seasons, the Commodores have consistently proven to be a formidable team within their conference, frequently looking to qualify for postseason play.

As Vanderbilt celebrates its recent victory, the Dores now look ahead to their next matchup against Eastern Michigan on Wednesday, March 4. The stage is set for another exhilarating encounter, with the opening draw scheduled for noon, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. With Halleron and Lower riding high on their scoring successes, and the team brimming with confidence from this record-setting performance, Vanderbilt aims to build momentum and keep the wins coming as they push toward the remainder of the season.