A Launch Like No Other

The Peabody lawn has hosted many events-from farm-to-table dinners and outdoor classrooms to Peabody's graduate student Commencement each spring. A regular-season volleyball match, however, had never graced the iconic mall, flanked by stately oak and gingko trees. At least, not until Aug. 29, when Vanderbilt's reignited volleyball program recorded its first win in its home opener. On the wide lawn that flows downhill from the domed Wyatt Center toward Edgehill Avenue, the Dores defeated the neighboring Belmont Bruins 3-1. It was the first home volleyball victory since 1980 and the first win for Anders Nelson as head coach of the Vanderbilt squad. Played before 3,467 fans-including most of the Class of 2029-may the historic Match One victory herald success for the volleyball program and for the launch of many Commodores' undergraduate careers.

Photo by Harrison McClary