PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team earned a signature victory on Tuesday evening, defeating No. 12 Lindsey Wilson College 3-2 at Grissom Pitch.
The Firehawks improved to 6-1-1 on the season with the non-conference triumph, handing the Blue Raiders just their second loss of the 2026 campaign.
Lindsey Wilson struck first in the sixth minute to take an early 1-0 advantage, but UT Southern refused to back down against one of the NAIA's traditional powers. The Firehawks created several quality scoring opportunities throughout the opening half and nearly found an equalizer when Luella Cramer's shot struck the crossbar in the 27th minute.
UT Southern finally broke through in the 35th minute. Ashanti Lewis forced a save before Kamilia Tayebi finished the rebound for her 10th goal of the season, evening the match at 1-1.
The Firehawks continued to push forward and were rewarded in the closing minutes of the half. Millie Rayner converted a penalty kick in the 44th minute, sending UT Southern into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
UT Southern carried that momentum into the second half and extended its lead in the 56th minute. Mia Saum delivered the assist to Riho Masuya, who buried her ninth goal of the season to make it 3-1.
Lindsey Wilson answered just three minutes later to cut the deficit to 3-2, setting up a tense finish between two nationally recognized programs.
The Firehawks weathered the pressure over the final 30 minutes behind a strong defensive effort and several key saves from freshman goalkeeper Sam De Gier. The reigning SSAC Defensive Player of the Week recorded five saves, including multiple stops in the closing stages, helping preserve the victory.
UT Southern finished with advantages in both shots (26-15) and shots on goal (12-7). Cramer led the Firehawks with six shots, while Rayner added five attempts and three shots on goal. Osiris Rodriguez contributed four shots, and Tayebi and Masuya each found the back of the net.
Lewis and Saum each recorded assists, while the Firehawks continued their impressive run of form against another nationally respected opponent.
The victory marks UT Southern's biggest win of the season and adds another memorable chapter to a matchup between two perennial NAIA powerhouse programs with a tradition of competing on the national stage.
Up Next
The Firehawks return to Southern States Athletic Conference action on Saturday, Sept. 26, when they host Blue Mountain Christian University at Grissom Pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
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