PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team responded to an early deficit with a dominant performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Blue Mountain Christian 9-1 at Grissom Pitch.
The Firehawks improved to 7-1-1 overall and remained perfect in Southern States Athletic Conference play at 5-0.
Blue Mountain Christian struck first in the 12th minute to take a 1-0 lead, marking the first time UT Southern had trailed in conference play this season. The Firehawks quickly settled in and began to control possession, eventually leveling the match in the 24th minute when Sharaid Palmeros-Solis finished an opportunity created by Luella Cramer.
UT Southern took the lead for good late in the first half after a Blue Mountain own goal put the Firehawks in front 2-1 in the 40th minute. Millie Rayner added a penalty kick goal just before halftime, sending UT Southern to the break with a 3-1 advantage.
The Firehawks put the match away in the second half.
Charlotte Taylor opened the scoring less than three minutes after the restart with a converted penalty kick before Rayner added another penalty kick goal and later completed her hat trick in the 58th minute off an assist from Karla Montiel.
Osiris Rodriguez extended the lead in the 70th minute off an assist from Skyler Montgomery before Montgomery added a goal of her own six minutes later. Ashanti Lewis capped the scoring in the 85th minute after a setup from Palmeros-Solis.
Rayner led the Firehawks with three goals, recording her second hat trick in as many matches. Palmeros-Solis added a goal and an assist, while Lewis and Montgomery each contributed a goal and an assist. Cramer recorded two assists, while Montiel, Montgomery, and Palmeros-Solis each added helpers.
UT Southern dominated statistically throughout the afternoon, outshooting Blue Mountain Christian 56-3 and holding a 28-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Firehawks also earned 17 corner kicks while limiting the visitors to none.
Despite allowing the opening goal, the Firehawk defense was strong throughout the remainder of the contest. McKenzie Raine made one save and helped hold Blue Mountain Christian without a shot in the second half.
The victory marks UT Southern's fifth consecutive conference win and extends its unbeaten streak to seven matches.
Up Next
The Firehawks return to action on Thursday, Oct. 1, when they travel to Thomas University for another SSAC matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.
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