Mikayla Blakes Shines with 27 Points in Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Opener
Vanderbilt women’s basketball commenced its 2025-26 season with a thrilling 74-65 victory over Cal. Mikayla Blakes stood out during the opener, scoring an impressive 27 points in Paris. Despite trailing at halftime, Vanderbilt roared back with a commanding 19-0 run in the third quarter to secure the win.
Mikayla Blakes Shines in Season Opener
As the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, Blakes showcased her scoring prowess despite shooting 9-for-27 from the field. Overall, Vanderbilt, ranked No. 21, struggled with a field goal percentage of only 39% against an unranked Cal team. However, the Commodores excelled on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 49-41, with a remarkable 27 offensive rebounds. The team also generated 15 steals and recorded eight blocked shots.
Coaching Insights
Coach Shea Ralph reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “It definitely looked like our first game at times. We battled from start to finish. It was a full team effort. And listen, we have the best player in the country on our team, so we’re going to be really tough to beat.”
Dynamic Duo: Blakes and Galvan
- Mikayla Blakes transitioned to playing alongside freshman point guard Aubrey Galvan.
- Galvan contributed seven points, along with nine rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
- Blakes praised Galvan’s impact, saying, “She does everything… She’s really good.”
Effective Two-Big Lineups
Vanderbilt’s offense encountered difficulties in the first half, particularly when Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda faced foul trouble. To counter this, Ralph utilized combinations of Sacha Washington, Aiyana Mitchell, and Aalyah Del Rosario as a two-big lineup. This shift proved successful, especially with Mitchell delivering 12 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and three steals in just 25 minutes.
Justine Pissott’s Evolving Role
In her third season at Vanderbilt, Justine Pissott has been tasked with expanding her contributions beyond shooting. Despite a challenging night with only nine points on 3-for-10 shooting, Pissott managed to grab seven rebounds and recorded two assists, along with three blocks in 39 minutes. Coach Ralph acknowledged Pissott’s importance, stating, “Having her on the floor matters because she understands what we’re trying to do.”
- Season opener score: Vanderbilt 74, Cal 65
- Mikayla Blakes: 27 points, 9-for-27 shooting
- Vanderbilt rebounding: 49-41 (27 offensive rebounds)
- Vanderbilt steals: 15
- Vanderbilt blocks: 8
As the season progresses, Vanderbilt aims to build on this promising start. With standout performances from key players, they aspire to maintain momentum and further develop their strengths.
