PULASKI, Tenn. — The Tennessee Southern women's soccer team continued its strong start to Southern States Athletic Conference play Thursday evening with a 19-0 victory over Wesleyan (Ga.) at Grissom Pitch.
The Firehawks improved to 4-1-1 overall and 3-0 in SSAC action, turning in a complete team performance on both ends of the field. UT Southern generated 77 shots, including 44 on goal, while holding Wesleyan without an official shot attempt.
After creating several early opportunities, the Firehawks broke through in the 12th minute when Millie Rayner converted a penalty kick. Moments later, Rayner added a second goal off assists from Karla Montiel and Osiris Rodriguez, giving UT Southern an early 2-0 advantage.
UT Southern continued to build momentum throughout the first half. Charlotte Taylor scored her first goal of the season in the 22nd minute before Rayner added three more goals before halftime. Goals by Addison Massey and Skyler Montgomery in the closing minutes of the period sent the Firehawks into the break with an 8-0 lead.
The Firehawks maintained their attacking tempo after halftime, scoring 11 more times in the second half. Ellie Walker opened the scoring after the break with her first goal of the season before Rayner completed a seven-goal performance. Taylor added her second goal of the night, while Luella Cramer, Riho Masuya, Kamilia Tayebi, Ashanti Lewis, and Sharaid Palmeros-Solis also found the back of the net.
Rayner paced the Firehawks with seven goals and three assists, while Rodriguez recorded six assists in the match. Cramer finished with a goal and four assists, Masuya added two goals and two assists, and Taylor contributed two goals and an assist. Palmeros-Solis scored twice, while Lewis added a goal and two assists.
The Firehawks showcased their depth throughout the evening, with multiple players contributing offensively. UT Southern recorded 22 assists on its 19 goals and earned 14 corner kicks while maintaining possession for the vast majority of the match.
Defensively, Sam De Gier and McKenzie Raine combined for the shutout as the Firehawks held Wesleyan without a shot attempt. UT Southern secured its third consecutive conference victory and continued its unbeaten start in SSAC play.
Up Next
The Firehawks return to action on Saturday, Sept. 19, when they host Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at Grissom Pitch. Due to expected high temperatures, the match has been moved up from its originally scheduled start time. UT Southern will also honor its senior class during a special Senior Day ceremony at halftime. The Firehawks enter the contest at 4-1-1 overall and 3-0 in SSAC play.
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