NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — #1 Vanderbilt held off #4 LSU with a 1-0 victory Monday night in a tightly contested NCAA Tournament matchup, with Melania Fullerton's 65th-minute goal proving to be the difference. The Commodores improved to 18-3-2 with the win in front of 1,005 fans at home, while the Tigers fell to 15-6-4 after their first loss in three games.
Fullerton broke through late in the second half to give Vanderbilt the decisive advantage. The goal came at the 65th minute after a sequence of attacking pressure from the home side, with Grace Freeman and Courtney Jones combining on the assist. It was a clinical finish that rewarded Vanderbilt's relentless offensive approach throughout the match, particularly in the second half when the Commodores controlled possession and created multiple scoring opportunities.
The first half remained scoreless despite both teams generating chances. Vanderbilt's Sydney Watts and Reagan Pentz each had shots blocked early, while Mary Beth McLaughlin and Olivia Stafford tested LSU's defense with efforts that went wide. LSU mounted their own threats, with Sydney Cheesman firing a shot that missed low and center in the 37th minute. The Tigers' Ava Galligan also had a blocked attempt as both sides jockeyed for position without finding the back of the net.
Vanderbilt came out with renewed intensity after halftime, immediately asserting dominance in the midfield. The Commodores generated consistent pressure through the third quarter, forcing LSU into a defensive posture. Courtney Jones and Maci Teater created problems down the flanks, while the home side's possession game kept LSU pinned back. The Tigers struggled to build rhythm in transition, with their attempts to counter-attack largely contained by Vanderbilt's organized backline.
LSU had their chances to equalize after falling behind. Gabbi Ceballos fired wide in the 51st minute, and the Tigers earned a penalty kick in the 73rd minute after Hannah McLaughlin was cautioned for unsporting conduct. Morgan Witz stepped up to take the spot kick but sent her effort wide of the post, a crucial miss that could have changed the match's trajectory. Late corners provided additional opportunities, but Vanderbilt's defense, anchored by their goalkeeper's four saves, held firm.
The statistics told the story of Vanderbilt's control. The Commodores dominated possession and territorial advantage, outshooting LSU 18-11 overall and 7-4 on shots on goal. Vanderbilt also earned 13 corner kicks compared to just two for the Tigers, reflecting their sustained pressure throughout the 90 minutes. LSU's goalkeeper made six saves to keep her team in the contest, but ultimately the volume of Vanderbilt's attacking play wore down the visitors.
Discipline played a role as well. Ida Hermannsdottir received a yellow card for LSU in the 32nd minute, while Sydney Watts and Hannah McLaughlin were cautioned for Vanderbilt. The yellow to McLaughlin directly preceded the penalty kick that could have shifted momentum, highlighting how fine margins determined this encounter.
The victory extends Vanderbilt's winning streak to three matches and showcases their ability to grind out results in high-pressure tournament environments. LSU, despite their fourth-ranked status and recent form, couldn't find the breakthrough they needed against a Commodores side that combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing when it mattered most. Vandy no plays TCU in the next round.