By Gage Miller
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee women’s soccer delivered an outstanding performance at Regal Stadium, crushing Eastern Kentucky University (1-1-0) with an offensive explosion, shutting out EKU 9-0. The game highlighted sophomore forward Alivia Stott, tying the record for most goals in a game. As a team, the Lady Vols (2-0-0) also tied the record for most goals in a match in program history.
The Lady Vols struck early and never looked back. In the ninth minute, senior defender Ally Brown put Tennessee on the board, scoring off a corner kick from sophomore Reese Mattern. Just two minutes later, freshman Shae O’Rourke doubled the advantage off a crisp combination play from Luciana Latino and Skylar Miller.
Tennessee’s attack caught fire after halftime. Miller added a third goal in the seventh minute with an assist from Jasmine Boggs, and just moments later, Kate Runyon headed in the fourth goal, again set up by Boggs.
From there, it became the Alivia Stott show. The forward tallied Tennessee’s fifth goal in the 11th minute, finishing a pass from Bella Smith. Stott then struck again two minutes later off a feed from Sarah Kate Rath, completing her brace in short order.
She wasn’t done. With eight minutes remaining, Stott slotted home another goal, assisted by Milee Zych. Less than three minutes later, she finished again from Boggs to push the scoreline to 8-0.
The record-chasing moment came with 4:35 left when Stott netted her fifth of the afternoon off an Abby Batts assist. That goal tied both Tennessee’s single-game scoring record, last accomplished in 2008, and the Lady Vols’ personal record last done in 1998.
The win marked one of the most dominant offensive outings in recent Tennessee history, with nine goals coming from six different contributors. Boggs recorded three assists, while Miller and Stott each added multiple scores.
With this victory, the Lady Vols improved their nonconference slate and set the tone for the upcoming SEC schedule. Stott’s record-tying performance highlights a squad brimming with attacking firepower and confidence.
The Lady Vols return to action on Aug. 20 in Los Angeles, Calif., for a battle against UCLA. This marks the beginning of a four-game road trip, with Tennessee’s next home match against Georgia Southern on Sept. 7.