PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team continued its dominant run through Southern States Athletic Conference play Saturday morning, defeating Faulkner 6-0 at Grissom Pitch.
The Firehawks improved to 11-1-1 overall and remained unbeaten in conference action at 9-0.
UT Southern wasted little time taking control of the contest. Just 27 seconds into the match, Ashanti Lewis found the back of the net off an assist from Sharaid Palmeros-Solis to give the Firehawks an early 1-0 lead. Less than nine minutes later, Luella Cramer doubled the advantage after finishing a pass from Riho Masuya.
The Firehawks continued to pressure the Faulkner defense throughout the opening half. Millie Rayner added a goal in the 24th minute off an assist from Osiris Rodriguez, helping UT Southern carry a 3-0 lead into halftime.
UT Southern picked up where it left off after the break. Rayner scored again in the 51st minute following a pass from Kamilia Tayebi to make it 4-0. Lewis struck for her second goal of the day in the 64th minute off an assist from Rayner before Rayner completed her hat trick just 84 seconds later, finishing a setup from Skyler Montgomery and Cramer.
The Firehawks controlled play from start to finish, outshooting Faulkner 29-3 and holding a 14-2 advantage in shots on goal. UT Southern also earned nine corner kicks while limiting the Eagles to none.
Rayner led the way with three goals and an assist, recording her third hat trick of the season. Lewis added two goals, while Cramer contributed a goal and an assist. Tayebi, Masuya, Palmeros-Solis, Rodriguez, and Montgomery each recorded assists in the victory.
Defensively, the Firehawks were once again outstanding. Sam De Gier and McKenzie Raine combined for the shutout, with Raine making two saves in the second half. UT Southern has now posted back-to-back clean sheets and continues to boast one of the conference's top defensive units.
The victory extends the Firehawks' unbeaten streak to 11 matches and keeps UT Southern firmly atop the SSAC standings.
Up Next
The Firehawks return to action on Thursday, Oct. 15, when they host William Carey at Grissom Pitch in a matchup featuring two nationally ranked SSAC contenders.
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