MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team went toe-to-toe with nationally ranked No. 12 Life University in Thursday's Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Semifinal but fell 2-1 in a hard-fought contest at the Emory Folmar YMCA Complex in Montgomery, Alabama.
First-Half Summary
The opening 45 minutes saw both sides battle for control, with chances coming early for the Firehawks. Senior forward Kamilia Tayebi had an early attempt blocked, while defender Ebony Wright forced a save in the fifth minute after a corner from Hikaru Uchida.
Goalkeeper Stephanie Hodgson kept the match level with two key stops, including a diving save off a Life shot in the 30th minute. The Firehawks created several set-piece opportunities with two first-half corners but were unable to capitalize, sending the match to halftime knotted at 0-0.
First Half Team Stats
| Category |
UT Southern |
Life |
| Goals |
0 |
0 |
| Shots |
5 |
8 |
| Shots on Goal |
2 |
2 |
| Saves |
2 |
2 |
| Corner Kicks |
2 |
3 |
| Fouls |
5 |
5 |
Second-Half Summary
Life broke through just 15 seconds into the second half on a goal from Victoria Valles to take a 1-0 lead. The Firehawks responded quickly, earning a penalty in the 58th minute, which Hikaru Uchida calmly converted to even the score at 1-1 – her seventh goal of the season.
UT Southern continued to press forward with chances from Uchida, Tayebi, and Baylor Russell, while Hodgson made two more saves to keep the match within reach. However, Life regained the lead in the 89th minute when Sacha Millward found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner.
Firehawk Leaders
UT Southern finished with 14 total shots and five corner kicks, while Life held a narrow 17–14 advantage in total attempts.
Final Team Stats
| Category |
UT Southern |
Life |
| Goals |
1 |
2 |
| Shots |
14 |
17 |
| Shots on Goal |
2 |
6 |
| Saves |
4 |
1 |
| Corner Kicks |
5 |
6 |
| Fouls |
12 |
11 |
| Yellow Cards |
1 |
2 |
UT Southern (11-6-2, 7-3-1 SSAC) wrapped up another strong campaign under head coach Will Austin, the program's all-time winningest coach. The Firehawks reached the SSAC Semifinals and earned five All-Conference selections, including three First-Team honorees.
The Firehawks will now await the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Selection Show to learn if their season will continue in the national tournament field.
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