News Summary
Nashville is buzzing as Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball, seeded No. 7, prepares to face Oregon Ducks in the NCAA Tournament. With a solid season record, the return of Sacha Washington and the commitment of Mikayla Blakes brings renewed hope for a deep run in March Madness. Fans are excited about the team’s progress and their on-court potential as the tournament approaches.
Excitement Builds in Nashville as Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Prepares for NCAA Tournament
Nashville is buzzing with anticipation as the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team gears up for the NCAA Tournament. The Commodores, currently holding the No. 7 seed, are set to clash with the No. 10 seed Oregon Ducks in the first round on Friday at 4:30 p.m. CT. With a solid record of 22 wins and 10 losses this season, the Commodores are aiming to make a significant impact and perhaps even reach the Final Four for the first time since 1993.
Welcome Back, Sacha Washington!
One of the most exciting updates for the team is the return of forward Sacha Washington. After a health scare involving a blood clot that kept her sidelined this past season, Washington’s return next year is a breath of fresh air for fans and teammates alike. The talented player is eager to get back on the court, where she was making waves before her unexpected absence. In the 2023-24 season, Washington showcased her impressive skills, averaging 12.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game with a remarkable field goal percentage of 61.5%. Additionally, she topped off her performance with 44 assists, 44 blocks, and 52 steals over 33 games.
Although she has been cleared to practice, Washington is still easing back into things and has not yet taken part in full-contact practices. During this time, she has focused on enhancing her skills and embracing a leadership role within the squad, proving that she is ready to make a comeback.
Mikayla Blakes Joins the Ranks
Adding to the excitement, the Commodores have secured a commitment from highly-touted guard Mikayla Blakes, who is considered one of the top prospects in the nation, rated as the No. 8 player overall. Blakes comes off an electrifying season, where she averaged a stellar 23.2 points per game and earned her stripes by winning the SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Her phenomenal performances included jaw-dropping games where she scored 53 points against Florida and 55 points against Auburn.
Head coach Shea Ralph is thrilled about Blakes joining the Commodores, expressing that her commitment marks a turning point for the program as they aim to reclaim their status in college basketball. Ralph, who joined Vanderbilt with revitalization in mind, has been instrumental in bringing new talent and energy to the team after a challenging period post-COVID when they struggled to make it to the NCAA Tournament.
Going Deeper into the Tournament
As they prepare for this tournament, the Commodores are focused on building on their recent successes and aim to achieve deeper progress in March Madness. The team has proven its tenacity with back-to-back seasons featuring at least 22 wins, signaling a program resurgence that fans are eager to see continue.
Off the court, Jada Brown, a guard on the team, is capturing the hearts of fans with her engaging TikTok videos. From sharing her tips on packing snacks for travel to discussing her commitment to giving back to the community, Brown is shedding light on the life of a student-athlete in a candid and entertaining way.
The Countdown Begins
With the excitement brewing and the NCAA Tournament just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Commodores as they take to the court against Oregon at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium. Fans can’t wait to see how far this dynamic team can go, and with talents like Washington and Blakes on board, there is every reason to believe that Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball program is ready to shine.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessean: Sacha Washington Returns
- Wikipedia: 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament
- The New York Times: Women’s March Madness 2025
- Google Search: Women’s Basketball March Madness
- Register Guard: Oregon Ducks vs. Vanderbilt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Basketball
- Vanderbilt Hustler: Women’s Basketball Press Conference Notes
- Google News: Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball NCAA Tournament
