MACON, Ga. – Brooke Baker led all scorers with five points off four goals and an assist to help snap Vanderbilt’s two game skid in a commanding 19-7 victory over Mercer on Wednesday afternoon.
The Dores opened the scoring five minutes into the contest from Baker’s unassisted goal. Mercer responded less than a minute later to even the score and the two teams traded goals until Vandy connected on back-to-back scores to go up 4-3 after the opening frame. The Bears scored three straight to take their only lead of the day before the Dores went on a 14-goal scoring streak over the next two and a half quarters to seal the victory.
“Today was all around a great team win,” said head coach Beth Hewitt. “I thought the defense was a very disciplined unit and Molly [Joyce] was solid between the pipes from the very beginning which helped give our team a lot of confidence. The offense clicked right from opening draw and you could tell that the girls were locking in and focused on the details after a long travel day and it really paid off for us.”
Vanderbilt (2-2) had 10 different scores throughout the day, with hat tricks coming from Baker and Maddie Barkate. Graduate Jaime Biskup added two goals for Vandy, earning multiple goals in each contest this season. Anna Taraboletti posted four points off two goals and two assists while Shea Panzik added three points for the black and gold off two goals and an assist. Senior Cate Bradley dished two assists, tied for the team lead. In cage, Molly Joyce made 12 saves, her second consecutive game with 10-plus stops.
Taraboletti, Avery Morton and Sammy Nuchow each registered their first goal of the 2025 campaign. Freshman Bailey Lower scored her first collegiate goal.
FIRST COLLEGE GOAL FOR BAILEY!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Z3mjfEaFxm
— Vanderbilt Lacrosse (@VandyLacrosse) February 19, 2025
Mercer (0-3) was led by Abby Morrison’s four points off two goals and two assists. Sami Lowinger tallied two goals and an assist for three points.
The Commodores return to Music City for a matchup against No.22/24 Ohio State on Saturday afternoon. Open draw is set for noon and can be seen on ESPN+.
