Vanderbilt Athletics experienced a remarkable weekend, showcasing impressive performances across multiple sports during the “Weekend on the West End.” The Commodores not only hosted several events but also had teams competing across the country, culminating in significant victories and memorable moments.
Cross Country and Baseball Highlights
The weekend commenced on Friday morning with both the men’s and women’s cross country teams competing at the Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The men’s team secured a fifth-place finish, while the women placed fourth. Notably, Luke Churchwell led the men’s team with a personal best of 24:28, finishing 17th overall. On the women’s side, Tyla Lumley excelled, placing eighth with a time of 19:59, closely followed by Claire Petersen, who finished just nine seconds later.
Simultaneously, Vanderbilt baseball faced Murray State in a pair of exhibition games on Friday night. The Commodores displayed their offensive prowess, winning both contests decisively, 7-1 in the first game and 10-1 in the second. Brodie Johnston shone brightly, belting two home runs, including a grand slam in the latter match, as the team prepares for the upcoming season starting on February 13, 2026.
Volleyball Struggles and Football Triumph
Vanderbilt volleyball faced a challenging weekend, competing against LSU and Ole Miss. In a closely contested match against LSU on Friday, Vanderbilt initially took two of the first three sets but ultimately fell 3-2 after losing the tiebreaker 15-10. The following day, the team again found itself in a similar scenario against Ole Miss, where they won the fourth set but lost another tiebreaker, this time 15-11.
The highlight of the weekend came from the Vanderbilt football team, which achieved a historic victory against 10th-ranked LSU at FirstBank Stadium. The Commodores defeated the Tigers 31-24, marking their first win over LSU since 1990. Vanderbilt’s run game was effective from the outset, allowing quarterback Diego Pavia to effectively manage the offense. Tight end Cole Spence emerged as a standout player, recording five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding openings in the opposing defense.
In addition to these highlights, Vanderbilt bowling finished fifth at the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic. The No. 3 ranked team faced tough competition, losing to No. 6 Arkansas State and No. 4 Youngstown State but rebounding with a victory against Sacred Heart. The bowling team will next compete at the Destination Orlando event from October 24-26.
Overall, Vanderbilt athletics made a significant impact over the weekend, with notable achievements and a strong display of talent across various sports. As the teams move forward, the Commodores are poised for continued success and growth in their respective seasons.
