PIKEVILLE, Ky. -  The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team opened the 2024 campaign with a 4-nil win over Pikeville on Saturday. The match was called early due to severe weather and wind damage in the area.

In the first half, the Firehawks controlled the match outshooting the home team 13-1 and scoring twice to hold the halftime lead. In the 19^th minute, Kira Goodwin finished the well-placed Jessica Glassman corner kick to net the game winner. Nao Katamoto added another unassisted goal in the 24^th minute.

In the final half, UT Southern would earn an own goal in the 64^th minute off a Pikeville misplay. On the ensuing kickoff, Marina Nawa would tack on a final goal in the match. Franklin's score was set up by Anna Franklin's assist. Over the next seven minutes, weather conditions began to deteriorate leading to tree damage in the park causing the match to end in the 73^rd minute.

Petra Brncova got the complete match clean sheet for the Firehawks as the strangling UTS defense only allowed two Bear shots in the match.

SCORING RECAP

1^st half, 18:12: Kira Goodwin assisted by Jessica Glassman

1^st half, 23:20: Nao Katamoto unassisted

2^nd half, 63:19: Own Goal by Pikeville

2^nd half, 63:38: Marina Nawa assisted by Anna Franklin 

NEXT UP

The Firehawks host NCAA DIII opponent Sewanee on August 19. The Chargers and Firehawks clash at seven p.m. in an exhibition.

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