Vanderbilt Rallies Late To Top East Carolina 15-13 At The Plex
NASHVILLE, TN — Vanderbilt’s lacrosse team rallied in a back-and-forth contest to beat East Carolina 15-13 Saturday at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex, handing the Commodores their third straight American Athletic Conference victory.
Trailing in a tight game late, Vanderbilt erupted with a decisive 4-0 run to close the contest. Senior transfer Molly Krestinski sparked the finishing surge, finishing with four goals on the day and delivering the go-ahead marker early in the fourth quarter that shifted the tone in Vanderbilt’s favor. Freshman dynamo Gabby Putman also shined, matching Krestinski with four goals while dominating the circle — she won a team-high five draw controls and continued a week-to-week roll that has the freshman regularly recognized by the league.
Hayden Miller added a multi-dimensional performance with three goals and two assists, and Shea Panzik chipped in two goals and two assists. Playmaking was at a premium: midfielder Logan Risenhoover orchestrated the attack with a game-high three assists, keeping Vanderbilt’s offense humming when it mattered most.
On the other end, East Carolina got a heroic effort from Sarah Goodison, who buried five goals for the Pirates. Maya Koebke added three goals and Katelyn Sclafani finished with five points (two goals, three assists), but the Pirates couldn’t hold off Vanderbilt’s late push.
The Commodores leaned on a gritty defensive performance to manufacture the comeback, forcing nine turnovers and nudging ahead 16-15 in draw controls. Emma Davis led the team with three forced turnovers, and goalie Emme Martin recorded eight saves to secure the victory in goal.
Vanderbilt improves to 7-6 overall and 3-0 in American play, while East Carolina falls to 4-7 and 1-2 in conference action. The win keeps Vanderbilt perfect at the Plex this season and extends the Commodores’ edge in the all-time series with ECU to 6-2.
The Commodores conclude nonconference play next Wednesday, hosting Lindenwood at noon with the game available on ESPN+. For Vanderbilt, the late-game poise and balanced scoring — veterans and newcomers both stepping up — provide encouraging signs as conference play intensifies.
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