⚽️ Lady Vols Soccer

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Tennessee soccer opens SEC play with win over Ole Miss​


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Kate Runyon (7) during a match against UCLA at Regal Soccer Stadium. Thursday, Sep. 5, 2024.
Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon

Tennessee soccer opened SEC play with a win over Ole Miss, defeating the Rebels, 2-1.

The Lady Vols (6-1-1, 1-0-0) got a goal from Kate Runyon, but the Rebels (5-5-0, 0-1-0) equalized just a few minutes later. Sammi Woods scored the game winner for Tennessee on an assist from Runyon.

Although Tennessee’s six-match run of clean sheets ended on Thursday, the Lady Vols have only allowed two goals this season.


Here are some takeaways from the win.

Lady Vols up-and-down in first half

While Tenessee had moments early in the game where it shined, it also made crucial mistakes, one of which cost it a goal.

In the 22nd minute, the Lady Vols created chaos inside the penalty area. While Ally Brown’s shot was saved, Runyon scored her second goal of the season on the rebound.

Just three minutes later, the Lady Vols failed to protect their own back line, conceding a goal to Kelly Brady. It was the first goal Tennessee allowed since its season-opening loss to Indiana.


Late in the half, the Lady Vols had a chance to take back the lead on a penalty kick, but Sammi Woods’ effort was saved by Ole Miss goalkeeper Shu Ohba. Tennessee finished the first half with 10 shots, but it wasn’t enough to carry a lead into the halftime break.

Sammi Woods puts Lady Vols ahead

After a cagey first 15 minutes of the second half, Tennessee started to build toward getting a go-ahead goal. With the ball in the area, Runyon made a tackle and found Woods, who put the Lady Vols ahead with a strike in space.

Woods earned her third goal of the season on the shot, and Runyon recorded her second assist of the season.

Ally Zazzara saves the game

After allowing just her second goal of the season, Ally Zazzara made two crucial saves to help Tennessee open SEC play with a win. The first came on an Ole Miss corner kick as Zazzara dealt with the shot from the Rebels.

In the second half, Zazzara faced a shot from distance that threatened Tennessee’s newfound lead. The redshirt junior calmly pushed the ball over the goal, saving a potential Ole Miss equalizer.
 

 
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#23 Tennessee Opens SEC Play With 2-1 Win Over Ole Miss​

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Game Recap: Soccer | September 19, 2024
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - In its first Southeastern Conference matchup of the season, the No. 23 Tennessee soccer team picked up a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ole Miss, extending their unbeaten streak to seven matches in the process.

UT (6-1-1) picked up its first three points of SEC play and now holds a 19-4-2 overall record against the conference foe.

Sophomore forward Kate Runyon and graduate forward Sammi Woods each found the back of the net for the Big Orange to secure the three points at home.

Woods now leads the team with three goals and seven points. Her and Runyon are both tied for the team-lead in goal contributions with four.

Ole Miss senior forward Kelly Brady gave the Rebels their lone goal of the night, which marked her third of the season.

Tennessee outshot Ole Miss (5-5-0) 13-to-8, with eight of those coming on target.

Ally Zazzara once again came up strong to defend the goal, notching four saves on the night.

In the first half, Tennessee struck first in the 22nd minute after Runyon capitalized on a second chance in the box.

The Rebels quickly responded in the 25th minute as Brady knocked it in after a cross from Lauren Montgomery to level the match.

Leah Klurman, Ally Brown, Keaton Mitchell and Woods each created additional chances in the opening frame but were unable to convert.

Hailey Mi Cloud put one on frame for Ole Miss, but Ally Zazzara was able to protect the net and preserve a 1-1 score heading into the halftime break.

The Lady Vols' game-winner came in the 60th minute when Runyon set Woods up nicely to fire it into the right side of the net.

UP NEXT: Tennessee will go on the road to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and are set to take on the Crimson Tide on Sunday for a 7 p.m. ET match.
 
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