By OkayGoal 
A lot of attention has been drawn to the Tennessee Lady Vols for various reasons, and it’s not because of their bright-orange standout color scheme. Some reasons include a strong core of returners this season and an impressive start to the season. With a lot of excitement, where will the Lady Vols go this season? Let’s dive into this hot start from Tennessee and see what is likely to be in store for them this season.
Important Returners
Two key seniors, Ally Brown and Mac Midgley, played significant roles in the 2024 season. Both players recorded a high number of minutes on the pitch. Brown contributes to the Lady Vols’ gritty defense. Midgley covers the midfield with a key skill in play making as in 2024 she tallied 4 goals and 2 assists.
Reese Mattern and Anaiyah Robinson, both sophomores and forwards, are looking to bring attacking talent. Mattern was selected for the USWNT U-19 squad earlier this year and seeks to capitalize on a productive collegiate career. As for Robinson, she’s a transfer from Arkansas aiming to make a splash with the Big Orange crowd.
Speaking of transfers, the stellar and red-hot junior Shea O’Rourke transferred from Texas A&M and has been superb on the front line for Tennessee. Although she endured an ACL injury during the 2024 season, she is looking sharp as ever.
Another critical member of the Lady Vols is head coach Joe Kirt. Ever since his start with Tennessee, he has helped the organization move up the ladder. From winning the SEC East Championship right off the bat to securing the #1 rank to start this season, the trajectory Kirt is aiding the Lady Vols in is thrilling.
An Impressive Start
Starting with a massive upset, Tennessee defeated the reigning NCAA champs, North Carolina. In her first game back from injury and in her debut for the Lady Vols, O’Rourke slotted two goals home in the 2-0 victory against the Tar Heels.
The Lady Vols continued rolling with steam as they demolished the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in a lopsided 9-0 win. O’Rourke added to the collection by putting the ball in the back of the net in the first half, along with teammate Ally Brown. Yet, it was Aliva Stott who stole the show in the second half as she exploded for 5 goals within 20 minutes.
After the utter domination against the Colonels, Tennessee didn’t skip a beat as they continued to beat top teams such as No. 4 UCLA and No. 14 Memphis Tigers.
Despite an exhilarating run through non-conference play, the Lady Vols didn’t get the job done in their SEC opener versus Mississippi State. Tennessee came up short in a 3-2 loss. While this match is the first taste of defeat for the Lady Vols, there’s no doubt that the fun times for the squad will continue. With extraordinary talent, an excellent coaching staff, and the freedom to play with joy and persistence, the Tennessee organization is headed in a direction that, although it may be new, is where success is inevitable.
Keep a close eye on the Lady Vols this season and see how they do in their next match against Missouri this upcoming Thursday.
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