PULASKI, Tenn. – Third-seeded UT Southern women's soccer opened the SSAC Tournament in dominant fashion, defeating sixth-seeded Dalton State College 5–2 Thursday afternoon at Grissom Pitch. The Firehawks exploded for four first-half goals to take control early and never looked back.
UT Southern came out firing, netting four goals in the first 18 minutes. Karla Montiel started the scoring with a stunning free kick from 27 yards out in the 3rd minute. Hikaru Uchida doubled the lead five minutes later off a cross from Osiris Rodriguez. Moments later, Kamilia Tayebi converted a penalty kick for her 14th goal of the season. Rodriguez then added a goal of her own in the 18th minute, assisted by Riho Masuya, to make it 4–0. Dalton State pulled one back with a penalty kick from Aoife Saunders in the 21st minute to close the first half 4–1.
| Team First-Half Stats |
UT Southern |
Dalton State |
| Goals |
4 |
1 |
| Shots |
16 |
4 |
| Shots on Goal |
8 |
2 |
| Corner Kicks |
5 |
0 |
| Fouls |
2 |
9 |
The Firehawks continued to control possession after halftime. Tayebi found her second goal of the match in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a defensive misplay. Dalton State added a late goal from Abbey Butte off a corner in the 86th minute to set the final score at 5–2. Goalkeepers Stephanie Hodgson and Abby Guy combined for two saves in the win.
| Final Team Stats |
UT Southern |
Dalton State |
| Goals |
5 |
2 |
| Shots |
21 |
10 |
| Shots on Goal |
10 |
4 |
| Corner Kicks |
8 |
5 |
| Fouls |
4 |
16 |
UT Southern Leaders
In Goal:
With the victory, UT Southern (11–5–2) advances to the SSAC Semifinal on Thursday, November 6 at 1:30 p.m. in Montgomery, Ala., where the Firehawks will face the winner of second-seeded Life University vs. seventh-seeded Thomas University.
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