Tennessee 2, WKU 0 (PDF) PHOTO GALLERY
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - WKU battled tough with Southeastern Conference foe Tennessee Friday night at the WKU Soccer Complex, but Hannah Wilkinson and Cheyenne Spade connected for two goals early in both periods as the Lady Vols won 2-0 in front of the second largest crowd (526) in program history.
The Lady Toppers (2-1) outshot Tennessee 6-4 and held a 2-0 advantage on corner kicks in the first half but Wilkinson's breakaway goal in the ninth minute was enough to improve the Lady Vols to 2-2. Wilkinson score was set up from Spade, who served a long ball to Wilkinson as she was streaking behind WKU's defense and finished from 10 yards out.
Wilkinson returned the favor to Spade 12 minutes into the second half, serving a ball from the right side that Spade was able to head into the left corner of the goal past diving WKU goalkeeper Allison Leone. Leading 2-0, Tennessee carried the momentum the rest of the way after a tightly contested match in the first 55 minutes. The Lady Vols finished with a 17-7 shot advantage despite the Lady Toppers holding the edge at halftime.
WKU was able to put four of its seven shots on goal and got its best looks from sophomore Haley Baldridge and junior Lauren Moats. Baldridge fired a shot in the 22nd minute that appeared to be heading into the upper left-hand corner of the goal but Tennessee goalkeeper Jamie Simmons made a diving tip-save to keep the Lady Tops off the board.
Moats nearly netted an equalizer in the 53rd minute from the left side of the box but her attempt sailed a foot high. She led WKU with two shots in the contest. Senior Allie Auscherman and sophomore Iris Dunn also put shots on goal, but both were cleaned up easily by Tennessee's Simmons.
Leone made four saves in goal for the Lady Toppers while giving up her first two goals of the season.
WKU aims to rebound from its first loss of 2014 on Sunday when it hosts Evansville at the WKU Soccer Complex. First touch is set for 1 p.m. and all WKU Faculty and Staff will receive two complimentary tickets with a valid WKU ID at the ticket booth.
The 2014 WKU Soccer season is being presented by the United States Marines. This season The Marines and WKU Athletics are working together to promote the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of our female student athletes. The Marines are proud to work with and support these future leaders of America.
For more information on WKU Soccer, follow the program on Twitter at @WKU_Soccer or visit WKUSports.com.
