After a disappointing weekend that culminated with a 4-2 loss at Alabama, the Lady Vols stepped onto the field in Knoxville knowing that only a big reaction would get them back into the hunt for the SEC title.

And, a big reaction was exactly what Tennessee delivered over 90 minutes. Three stunning second half goals left Mississippi unable to mount a response and the Lady Vols will now head into their next fixture against #19 South Carolina bursting with confidence.

“It’s huge to get three points in this league against a good team,” said head coach Brian Pensky after the game. “In terms of the timing, to say that we needed this is a gross, massive understatement.”

Despite defeating then #20 Texas A&M two weeks ago, Tennessee had only managed two draws and two losses either side of that result.

It looked like it would be another long night for the hosts after New Zealand international forward Hannah Wilkinson went down with an injury in the 25th minute. Prior to the injury, Tennessee had managed to dictate rhythm and dominate possession, slowly wearing down the Rebel’s defense. Without Wilkinson at the helm of the attack, however, the momentum quickly shifted.

Rafaelle Souza, leading the SEC with 11 goals so far this season, and attacking midfielder Mandy McCalla were particularly impressive, causing havoc for defenders Allie Sirna and Megan Erskine.

A second momentum shift occurred between the 53rd and 58th minutes, when a marvelous double-save by Julie Eckel and later a goal-line clearance from Katie Lenz kept Tennessee in the game.

“She doesn’t track that kid and it’s 1-0 and we’re chasing the game,” said Pensky, referring to Lenz, who was imperious in both defense and attack on the night. “If Julie Eckel doesn’t make that save, its 1-0 and we’re chasing the game.”

In the 68th minute Caroline Brown put Tennessee ahead with a smashing effort that left Ole Miss goalkeeper Kelly McCormick with no chance.

Fellow senior CC Cobb added a goal eight minutes later with a long-range strike following a pass from Aaran Parry, who impressed after taking over for Wilkinson in the second half. The freshman was involved again in the 86th minute, heading the ball down for Amalie Thestrup to bang in Tennessee’s third goal from a tight angle.

“It’s no secret that it’s been a harder transition to the US game compared to the European game than I had expected,” said the Denmark u-19 international after opening her account. “Just to get a goal in is a great feeling and a great relief.”

Coupled with the assuredness in defense provided by the likes of Sirna, Erskine, and Caroline Capocaccia, the Pensky-brand progressive soccer used against Ole Miss makes Tennessee deadly when in form.

The team’s third victory of the season against ranked opposition also highlights a positive future ahead. Only four seniors started for the Lady Vols, while younger players Michele Cristy, Aaran Parry, Amy Neal and Thestrup received important minutes, and continue to demonstrate the squad’s healthy level of depth.

“A lot of our players have been through a tough time. This was our ninth starting lineup in 12 games. We started 17 different field players throughout the season, which could hurt other kids’ confidence. But, we need to make our depth a source of our strength.”

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