By Adam Bache
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Lady Vols returned to Regal Stadium on Sunday to take on LSU in the third game of their SEC slate. What followed was a gritty and competitive contest that saw No. 5 Tennessee capitalize on just enough key moments to earn a 2-1 victory and continue the strong start to the season.
Tennessee was able to control possession 68% of the time in the first half and found itself constantly applying pressure in the attacking third. This turned into an early edge for the Lady Vols when Leah Klurman buried a strike from way outside the box in the 32nd minute. The goal was the first of the veteran defender’s career. Despite the constant pressure put on LSU’s defense, this was the only goal scored in the first half, as missed scoring opportunities hurt the Lady Vols’ chances of adding another.
The Lady Vols were able to carry the momentum in the second half, and it seemed to be a matter of when, not if, they would add to the lead. The answer to that question came in the 66th minute when Kate Runyon knocked in an unassisted goal off a deflection, extending the lead to 2-0. The goal was Runyon’s third in the last two games, all coming off the bench.
After this goal, the game script flipped, and it was suddenly the Tigers applying constant pressure while the Lady Vols scrambled to hold onto the lead. LSU was able to draw a penalty in the box, and Ida Hermannsdottir converted to make the score 2-1 in the 70th minute. LSU continued to up the pressure and created multiple good scoring opportunities. However, goalkeeper Cayden Norris made multiple diving saves to maintain the Volunteer lead.
When the final whistle blew, relief mixed with celebration on the Tennessee sideline. The result moved the Lady Vols to 8-1-1 (2-1-0), as they continued their early-season momentum. LSU fell to 5-5-1 (0-2-1), left frustrated after a spirited effort came up just short.
For No. 5 Tennessee, the win was less about dominance and more about toughness. Against an opponent that never went away, the Lady Vols were able to dig in defensively when it mattered and get a tough win, something they will need to do more of as the SEC grind continues.