MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —Middle Tennessee women's soccer (4-3-1) put together a strong defensive effort but fell 1-0 to No. 25 Vanderbilt (6-1-0) on Sunday night.

The Blue Raiders held Vanderbilt scoreless through the first half. The first time Middle Tennessee's defense has shut out the Commodores in the first half since 2021. Vanderbilt finally broke through in the 77th minute and finished with 10 shots, including five on goal. 

Goalkeeper Demi Gronauer anchored the Blue Raider defense with four saves, keeping MTSU within reach throughout the match. 

Head coach Aston Rhoden praised his team's defense: 

"We showed a lot of grit and a lot of heart, and I think now it's just being able to make sure that once we do that work and we win the ball, that we're playing better in transition." 

By the numbers:  

Attendance was 1,500, a sellout at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium. 

Up next:  

Middle Tennessee hosts to a matchup with Tennessee Tech on Thursday, Sept 11, at 7 p.m. CT at Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium.