Vanderbilt’s Winning Streak Continues
After another win, Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph’s enthusiasm is, well, consistent. “I’m really proud of our team,” she mentioned during a postgame conference following the No. 5 Commodores’ tight victory over No. 7 Michigan, finishing 72-69 at the Prudential Center in the Coretta Scott King Classic. “We’re facing a tough opponent every night, and we’re learning how to pull through even when we don’t perform at our peak.”
This win marks Vanderbilt’s record-setting 19-game winning streak, keeping them among the two remaining undefeated Division I women’s programs, alongside the reigning champions, top-ranked UConn.
Michigan State posed a significant challenge. After trailing by 19, the Wolverines managed to close the gap to just two points in the fourth quarter, but the Commodores remained composed.
“We just emphasized staying calm as a team, maintaining our energy,” sophomore Mikayla Blakes observed. “The recent game against Mississippi State was a great opportunity to practice those late-game moments. We really energized one another since you can’t let your energy drop in tough situations.”
Vanderbilt features a talented roster that’s ready to accomplish remarkable feats. Interestingly, though they haven’t advanced past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2009—and their only Final Four appearance was ages ago, in 1993—there’s a palpable feeling that the tide is turning.
“We’re building something special,” senior Justin Pisotto expressed. “I want to come back years from now and say, ‘I contributed to this program.’ That’s part of why I’m here.”
When Blakes had an off day, others stepped up. Freshman Aubrey Galvan was the star of the game, leading with 20 points, while Pisotto added 14 points, and also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists.
Vanderbilt is now 2-0 against ranked opponents and remains undefeated in SEC play at 6-0. Their upcoming schedule looks daunting; eight of their next ten games will pit them against ranked teams.
While the team embodies a “team-first” attitude, they allowed themselves a moment to savor the victory. “I get excited every time we win,” Blakes mentioned, reflecting on the team’s journey. “But we remind ourselves, ‘This isn’t just for us.’ We’re making history and want more—much more—in the tournament. It feels great, but our goal is to go further. These games are crucial for what’s ahead, especially as we gear up for March Madness and the SEC Tournament.”
