No. 13 Tennessee slides past Xavier in 3-0 victory

Three Tennessee players scored for the No. 13 Lady Vols (3-0-1) on Sunday afternoon, as Brian Pensky’s team cruised to a 3-0 victory over Xavier (1-3).

Freshman Amy Thompson struck first when she connected on a goal from 10 yards out to put the Lady Vols up 1-0 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the half.

Pensky feels excited for the freshman’s upcoming career.

“Amy changed the game,” Pensky said. “Three home games right now for Amy Thompson and Amy has three game-winning goals. That’s not a bad start to a college career at Regal Soccer Stadium.”

Thompson credits her team for her success thus far.

“It’s been amazing,” Thompson said. “Honestly, I couldn’t do it without this team and the coaches, and it’s a just a great atmosphere that’s everything I could hope for.”

Tennessee carried momentum into the second half and put the game away in less than two minutes by scoring two quick goals.

Katie Cousins scored on a penalty kick to put the Lady Vols up 2-0, and Anna Bialczack scored her first goal of the season a few seconds later. Bialczack rebounded a shot that bounced off the post.

Winning 3-0, Tennessee’s offense continued to attack the goal. The Lady Vols tallied 11 shots on goal in the second half and 17 total in the game.

Tennessee’s defense gave an equally dominant performance in the second half as well, only allowing Xavier one shot on goal in the half.

Senior goalie Shae Yanez grabbed two saves and received a standing ovation when she went out in the waning minutes of the match.

Pensky took pleasure in his team’s defensive play in the second half.

“I thought our defensive pressure was better,” Pensky said. “We were a little bit more prepared and organized to deal with how they were trying to attack us.”

The Lady Vols take on Wright State on Thursday. First touch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Regal Soccer Stadium.

Edited by Jake Nichols and Lexie Little