After a disappointing 1-0 loss away to Middle Tennessee on Friday night, coach Brian Pensky and his Lady Vols team will be left even more disheartened following a dominating, but goalless display at home to Western Kentucky.

Tennessee (5-2-1) could not get the ball into the back of the net in regulation or two periods of overtime, despite outshooting the visitors 36 to 10.

New Zealand international forward Hannah Wilkinson showed her prowess early, rocketing a shot off the post after a splendid move in the 13^th minute, and having a sweetly chipped goal called out for offside in the 22^nd minute.

In total, Wilkinson, leading the team with five goals this season, tallied 10 shots. Her partner up top, Caroline Brown, had five shots, including a dangerous effort in the first period of overtime, while midfielder Susan Ferguson was also an ever-present danger later in the game with four shots.

WKU’s goalkeeper, Nora Abolins, was imperious, however, and the visitors owe the tie to her after a number of key saves, including a fingertip stop on Ferguson in the 89^th minute of regulation time.

Tennessee will now head into their first SEC conference game against Texas A&M at the Regal Stadium on Friday deflated after a promising run of four wins, including an upset against then #17 Central Florida, prior to the loss against MTSU.

“I’m feeling gutted, just like the kids are feeling.” said Pensky after the game. “We went from scoring two goals a game off fifteen shots in our last four games [before MTSU], to none off 36 shots today.”

“It’s tough when teams sit in and just defend,” added the second-year Lady Vols coach when asked about the strategy against the Hilltoppers.

“We created more chances than we did against Middle Tennessee, but we knew this team was going to be tough to break down and we got to get a little better in the final third.”

The few opportunities that WKU did have were mostly extinguished by junior defender Allie Sirna.

Coming off the honor of being named to Top Drawer Soccer’s team of the week after the wins against Dayton and Mercer, she was a rock at the back for the Lady Vols. With the team pushing high up the field looking for the game-winner, Sirna’s veteran leadership and speed kept the Hilltopper’s attackers at bay when breaking on potentially dangerous counterattacks in the second half.

“As a defense we knew they were going to come in tough, but we knew we had to stay focused,” said Sirna.

When asked about the pressure of playing every minute of every game this season, and how that has affected her body, the defender was typically modest and undeterred.

“It’s halfway through the season and we’re about to start SEC play, so my body is a little bit worn down. But, I just need an ice bath and then I’ll get ready for the game on Friday.”

Wilkinson was the most blatantly upset with the draw.

“That really felt like a loss,” said the forward. “We should have won. I always felt in the back of my mind that we were so on top of this team, so it was coming. But, no luck today.”

After commenting on some areas in midfield and attack where the team can improve, Wilkinson, nevertheless, feels the best is yet to come for the Lady Vols.

About the upcoming SEC opener against Texas A&M, she remarked plainly, “I’m feeling pretty confident. When we play good teams, we rise to that level. I have absolutely no doubt that we can beat them.”

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