PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team earned its first regular-season victory of the 2026 campaign on Sunday morning, defeating LSU Alexandria 2-0 at Grissom Pitch.
The Firehawks improved to 1-0 on the season behind goals from Riho Masuya and Karla Montiel, while the defense turned in a strong performance to secure the team's first clean sheet of the year.
UT Southern wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Following a defensive takeaway, Masuya finished a give-and-go sequence in the seventh minute to give the Firehawks an early 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Masuya's first of the season.
The Firehawks controlled much of the opening half, generating 11 shots and holding LSU Alexandria scoreless heading into the intermission. Despite several quality chances, including a shot off the crossbar from freshman Skyler Montgomery, UT Southern carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
UT Southern doubled its advantage early in the second half when Osiris Rodriguez found Montiel, who finished off the back post in the 53rd minute. The goal stretched the Firehawks' lead to 2-0 and proved to be the final scoring play of the match.
The Firehawks continued to pressure throughout the contest, outshooting LSU Alexandria 23-10 and holding a 7-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Montiel led UT Southern with five shots, including four on goal and one score, while Luella Cramer added four attempts. Masuya recorded two shots and a goal, and Rodriguez added an assist.
In goal, Sam De Gier made seven saves across 88:50 of action to preserve the shutout before McKenzie Raine came on for the final moments of the match.
The victory gives the Firehawks their first regular-season win of 2026 as they prepare for one of their toughest early-season tests.
UT Southern returns to action Saturday, Aug. 29, when the Firehawks host No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan at Grissom Pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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