By Brody Rupert
Disappointing draw to Mississippi State
The No. 9 Lady Vols started home SEC soccer play with a disappointing 0-0 draw against unranked Mississippi State.
The game was sloppy across the board, with the first half played almost entirely on Tennessee’s side of the field. The Lady Vols surrendered 11 shots on goal in 45 minutes while failing to record any of their own.
Coming out of halftime, Tennessee seemed to regain momentum. An early shot by Olivia Feagin and increased possession gave fans hope the Lady Vols could break the deadlock. However, as the half progressed, chances remained scarce.
A single shot on goal by Kylee Simmons served as the team’s best opportunity, but Bulldogs keeper Jenny Harris saved it with ease.
Tennessee struggled to establish an offense, battling poor touches, frequent turnovers, and blocked chances.
Controversial referee calls halted several potential opportunities, drawing boos from the crowd at Regal Soccer Stadium. The frustration peaked in the 76th minute when Tennessee’s Nyla Blue received a red card following a physical tackle.
Despite the scoreless finish on blackout night, the Lady Vols extended their undefeated streak to nine games.
“Good to be back at home at Regal, good to get a shutout — that was about the best of our performance tonight,” head coach Joe Kirt said after the game.
Reverse-swept by Texas
The following day marked the home SEC opener for No. 13 Lady Vols Volleyball, starting on a promising note.
Tennessee controlled the opening set, jumping out to an early lead that Texas could not overcome. In the second set, the Lady Vols rallied from an early deficit to steal the win and take a 2-0 match lead.
The momentum shifted in set three as Texas adjusted its strategy. Although Texas dominated the third set, the Lady Volunteers had a chance to seal the match in the fourth, leading 18-14 late. Texas answered with a late run to take the set 25-22.
Tied 2-2 heading into the deciding fifth set, Texas surged early. Tennessee spent the final frame chasing points, with several close calls challenged and overturned against the Lady Vols.
Texas completed the reverse sweep with a 3-2 victory, handing Tennessee a tough home loss.
Despite the outcome, it was a record-breaking night at Food City Center, which hosted 9,226 fans.
Tennessee struggled with ball control down the stretch, failing to generate quality attack opportunities.
“I felt like Texas just out-ball-controlled us,” head coach Eve Rackham Watt said.
College GameDay on Rocky Top
Despite a football loss to Texas, ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast live from Knoxville, adding energy to a traditional Saturday on Rocky Top.
Sophomore Colby Lamb missed his initial attempt in Pat McAfee’s “Kicking is Easy” contest. Given a second chance secured by former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, Lamb made the field goal to win $1 million for himself and $500,000 for the Pat Summitt Foundation.
Celebrity guest picker Johnny Knoxville joined the panel and, alongside McAfee, picked the Volunteers to pull off the upset.
McAfee also challenged Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel to hit the crossbar from 15 yards out with a pass for a $100,000 charitable donation — a throw the former Oklahoma quarterback completed successfully.
Despite thousands of fans leaving Neyland Stadium disappointed following the football game, the combination of “College GameDay” and a pregame military flyover capped a memorable weekend on campus.
What’s next?
The Volunteers football team travels to face Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 3. Lady Vols Volleyball and Soccer continue home SEC play against Ole Miss on Oct. 9 and Arkansas on Oct. 15.