KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The No. 2/3 Lady Vols (6-0-1) ran a defensive gauntlet Sunday at Regal Soccer Stadium, tying their all-time match shutout streak at seven, while edging the Georgia Southern Eagles to a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
The first 45 minutes featured a defensive showdown between the Big Orange and Eagles, with both sides remaining scoreless, despite Tennessee outshooting the visiting Eagles 5-2, but unable to break through. Tennessee’s lone shot on goal for the Lady Vols came in the 13th minute on by Skyler Miller. Anaiyah Robinson had two shots, with Ally Brown and Bella Smith also contributing to the Volunteer offensive.
Tennessee came into the back half surging, scoring its only goal in the 50th minute on a shot from just outside the box from Jenna Stayart on a Leah Klurman pass. The Big Orange kept the pressure on during this hot firing minute, with Mac Midgley and Luciana Latino each testing the hands of the Georgia Southern Keeper Katie Oakley, who turned away both attempts.
Following the frenzy of the 50th minute, Tennessee settled into defensive mode, while keeping the pressure on adding six more shots to a total of nine shots in the second half.
Keeper Ally Zazzara played a key role in maintaining the shutout making a crucial save in the 79th minute to keep the Lady Vols lead intact. Zazzara also had a save in the first half.
Tennessee improves its record to (6-0-1), while the visiting Eagles fall to (2-5-1). Up next, The Big Orange travel to Starkville, Miss. for a Friday primetime matchup with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. First kick is scheduled for 7p.m. ET.
