With a 1-0 loss to the University of Kentucky in double overtime on Halloween night, the Vanderbilt women's soccer team's season came to a close. It was the fourth loss by one goal, as well as second in overtime, for the Commodores in Southeastern Conference play. They fell to 3-7-1 conference-wide, with an overall record of 9-8-2.
The Commodores started strong, taking a 6-1-1 non-conference record into league action, including two double overtime victories over Belmont and South Florida.
However, the SEC slate proved to a daunting task. Most notably, a 3-4 loss in double overtime to the fifteenth-ranked Florida Gators, as well as a 0-1 loss at seventeenth-ranked Louisiana State, served as a microcosm for the season. The balance of numerous close games did not tilt towards the Commodores.
Senior Amy Wilcox helped lead the attack for the Commodores at midfield, starting seventeen of the eighteen games in which she played. Wilcox tied for third in goals scored with three and added three assists. Moreover, she provided invaluable leadership on a squad that featured twelve sophomores and seven freshmen.
In addition to Wilcox, Vanderbilt loses three-time all-SEC midfielder Katie Schulz. Schulz lost a third of her senior campaign to injuries, as she appeared in twelve games, notching two goals. Furthermore, akin to Wilcox, her impact was felt beyond tangible statistics. The captain commanded the Commodore attack, as well as facilitated development of a less experienced squad.
Luckily for the Commodores, the losses of Wilcox, Schulz and midfielder Taylor Ryer can be weathered; the Kinsella sisters return. Sophomore Molly led Vanderbilt with eight goals and four assists. Furthermore, as the key offensive option, she ultimately proved to be the difference in several contests, principally a three-goal performance in the penultimate contest of the season against Mississippi State in Starkville. She was rewarded with All-SEC honors for the campaign.
The other half of the Kinsella duo, forward Megan, put forth a solid effort on the year as well. Starting all nineteen games, her four goals and three assists ranked second on the team.
Goalkeeper Rachel Bachtel played an intricate role in the successes of Vanderbilt. Keeping opponents to (on average) 1.23 goals per game, with five shutouts, the staunch defender kept nearly every contest within striking range.
Candace West, who saw action at midfielder as well as forward, turned in a quality campaign for the Commodores and also received All-Conference honors from the SEC. The true freshman saw action in seventeen games, starting ten. West led the freshmen with three goals and three assists.
