University of Tennessee Athletics
ALABAMA ROAD TRIP GAME NOTES
October 03, 2001 | Soccer
Oct. 3, 2001
#16 Lady Vols Set to Kick Off 2001 Southeastern Conference Slate
Anxious to return to action following an eight-day layoff, Tennessee (4-3) will be traveling to the state of Alabama to begin its nine-match league schedule this weekend. On Friday night, the Orange will take on Auburn (4-2-1) under the lights of the AU Soccer Complex. Two days later, Tennessee heads over to Tuscaloosa for a meeting with the Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1).
Time to Focus on League Affairs Again
While the SEC is beginning its ninth season of women's soccer in 2001, the Lady Volunteers will be entering their sixth league campaign. Head coach Angela Kelly directed her initial squad to a 7-2 record in conference action and second place in the East behind Florida. The win total eclipsed the club's prior standard of five victories set in 1998 and equaled in '99. Despite earning the third seed for the 2000 SEC Tournament, UT was upended by sixth-seeded Vanderbilt, 2-0, in Athens, Ga.
Mixed Bag Out of the Gates
Tennessee seems to subscribe to the roller-coaster theory with regard to its SEC openers, alternating wins and losses over its five league debuts.
> Sept. 1, 1996: 4-0 defeat to #17 Vanderbilt in Knoxville
> Sept. 12, 1997: 3-2 win in overtime at Auburn
> Sept. 11, 1998: 4-0 defeat to #4 Florida in Gainesville
> Sept. 10, 1999: 5-1 win in Knoxville over Auburn
> Sept. 29, 2000: 3-0 defeat to Florida in Gainesville
Looking into the Crystal Ball...
The Lady Vol soccer team was tabbed to place second in the SEC's Eastern Division in the coaches' poll released on Aug. 23. Florida was selected as the favorite to claim the 2001 women's soccer title in the SEC, marking the seventh consecutive year that the Gators have been picked by the coaches to win the crown. Coming off its fifth straight SEC title in 2000, UF earned nine first-place votes to earn the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, topping the Lady Vols, who received three votes.
The Gators were selected as tops in the East with 64 total points. In the West, reigning champ Ole Miss was the clear favorite with 63 points. Points were compiled on a 6-5-4-3-2-1 basis for each division, though each coach was not allowed to vote for his or her own team. The '01 version of the poll was a lot kinder to the Lady Vols, as the team received 53 points, a far cry from the 19 points it received last year.
Tiger Tales
In its most recent action, Auburn hung tough against #1 North Carolina on Sept. 28 before falling by a 2-0 margin. A record crowd of 2,523 witnessed the first night match at the AU Soccer Complex. The 'Heels used goals by All-Americans Jena Kluegel (44:36) and Alyssa Ramsey (82:04) and a shot differential of 23-2 to contain the Tigers. Freshman Megan Rivera made eight saves between the pipes against UNC.
AU is under the guidance of head coach Karen Richter, who has put together a mark of 23-22-1 (.511) in her three seasons on the Plains. Richter, a 1991 graduate of Central Florida, is now 87-66-10 (.564) in her ninth season as a Division I mentor. The Tigers clawed out to a 4-0 start in 2001, including upsets of regionally-ranked Saint Louis (2-1) and a shutout of #6 Virginia (1-0) to claim the UVa Tournament in Charlottesville, Va., over Sept. 7-9.
Carrying a ranking of 19th from collegesoccer.com, Auburn fell out of the Top 25 after enduring a loss in double-overtime at #21 West Virginia (2-1) on Sept. 21 and a scoreless tie at Pittsburgh on Sept. 23. After its effort against North Carolina, AU improved one spot to sixth in the most recent Central Region rankings issued by Soccer Buzz.
AU Players to Watch
Senior forward Tammy Waine paces the Auburn offense with eight points on four goals, while rookie striker Sarah Steinmann has burst forth with seven points on three goals and a helper. Sophomore midfielder Kellie Evans is the club's top playmaker with four assists and 2000 first-team All-SEC performer Ginger Sellick (two assists) rates second on the Tigers with 21 shots despite zero goals.
The Tigers have out-scored their foes by a 13-5 margin and have taken 121 shots, compared to 76 for their opponents. Rookie goalkeeper Megan Rivera has compiled a 0.70 goals against average with 36 saves and an .878 save percentage in 641 minutes of action. She has recorded solo shutouts of Georgia State (3-0 on Aug. 31), Chattanooga (6-0 on Sept. 2) and Virginia (1-0 on Sept. 9).
Last Meeting Between Tennessee and Auburn
Auburn and Tennessee have not met on the pitch since Sept. 10, 1999, when the Lady Vols used a suffocating defense and an opportunistic offense to secure a 5-1 win in Knoxville. UT held a commanding 31-1 shot advantage, and employed a balanced attack, as five different players scored. Sophomore Allison Campbell chipped in with a goal at 68:49 and set up the first two scores to help the Orange subdue the Tigers. Other goal-scorers for the home team included Heather Redecker (16:10), Tara Minnax (32:11), Kelly Berrall (38:36) and Brooke Sweeney (85:33). Tammy Waine connected on a breakaway at 76:19 from Gretchen Winter to help AU avert the shutout before 714 spectators at the UT Soccer Complex.
Lady Vols Enjoyed 1997 Venture to Tiger-Town
UT kicked off its '97 Southeastern Conference schedule in dramatic fashion on Sept. 12 against Auburn. The teams would battle into sudden-death overtime before UT prevailed, 3-2. Sophomore transfer Shayna Teutsch's first goal in a Lady Vol uniform, at the 99:07 mark off a beautiful double-assist by Natalie Balash and Holly Kimble, proved to be the difference. At the time, Teutsch's score was the second "Golden Goal" in the program's existence, with Kimble's penalty kick in overtime at Mississippi State on Oct. 27, 1996, remaining one of the high points in school history. That goal against the Bulldogs enabled UT to advance to the 1996 SEC Tourney.
Fast Start, Slow Finish
In finishing 13-7 overall last season, the Tigers' 13 victories broke their previous mark of 12 wins set in 1995. AU also set a record for the best start in school history by claiming nine of its first 10 matches. However, the Burnt Orange and Navy Blue finished 3-6 in SEC action and missed the post-season by placing fifth in the West Division. The squad's lone win over an Eastern Division foe came on Oct. 20, when it blanked South Carolina, 3-0 in Columbia, behind a hat trick by Ginger Sellick.
Tigers Boasted Record-Setting Offense in 2000
Auburn re-wrote its record book last season by putting up new standards in points, goals, assists and shots. AU led the Southeastern Conference in assists (67), was second in both points (179) and goals (56) and rated fifth among the 12 teams with 346 shots. Then-freshman Joell Giger cemented her name on to the program's all-time list by registering seven shutouts.
Looking to Earn an Invite to the Dance
The Tigers are hoping to make their first appearance at the SEC Tourney since 1997, when they fell in the quarterfinals to Kentucky, 2-0. Ironically, the Lady Vols did not reach SECs that season after going 2-6 in league activity.
Auburn does hold the distinction of being the lone SEC school to have defeated Florida at the conference event, as the Tigers eliminated the Gators on Nov. 2, 1995, on penalty kicks, 5-4. Since then, UF has captured five straight SEC Tournaments.
Strength in Numbers
A primary reason for Auburn's resurgence can be traced directly to the return of 17 letterwinners (six lost) and the effect of having 10 starters back for head coach Karen Richter. Tammy Waine tallied 16 goals and had 35 points last year, while Ginger Sellick had 32 points on 12 goals and eight assists.
Beware of the Rising Tide
Having emerged victorious in eight of its nine matches, Alabama has already exceeded its win total from the 2000 campaign, when the Tide was 6-14 overall and 1-8 in the Southeastern Conference. Now in his eighth season at the Capstone, Don Staley is 80-65-4 (.550) at 'Bama and is 269-194-30 (.576) in his 17 years of coaching. He has guided the Crimson to three Western Division titles (1995, 1997, 1998) and was a two-time recipient of the league's Coach of the Year honor (1995 & 1998). He was also responsible for leading UA to its first appearance at the NCAA Tournament, when his charges fell to Texas A&M, 3-1, in the opening round on Nov. 11, 1998.
Alabama started out 5-0 with triumphs over Tulane (4-1), Wyoming (2-0), Chattanooga (6-1), Arkansas State (3-1) and Birmingham Southern (4-0) before being upset by Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, Tenn., 2-1. Since that defeat, the Tide has ripped McNeese State (9-0), Alabama A&M (5-1) and Tennessee-Martin (5-0). In addition, the Tide maintains a 6-0 mark at home. Before entertaining the Lady Vols on Sunday, UA will have to contend with Georgia (5-2-1) on Friday night in Tuscaloosa. The Bulldogs have come on strong as of late, turning back Duke (3-2), Eastern Michigan (3-0) and Georgia State (6-0).
Variety of Offensive Threats for Alabama
Senior Danielle Watson, listed as a defender, has already matched her career total of 11 goals through nine matches this fall. The Mantua, N.J., native has totaled 25 points on 11 goals and three assists. She has netted match-winners against McNeese State (Sept. 27) and Alabama A&M (Sept. 28). Rookie Katie French has begun her career in impressive fashion, registering seven goals and handing out a team-high seven assists for 21 points. She has notched match-winners versus Tulane (Sept. 2) and UT-Martin (Sept. 30). Other top scorers for Alabama include sophomore midfielder Katie Holtzapfel (six goals, 13 points, 2 GWG), junior defender/midfielder Kim Zarzour (four goals, 12 points) and senior midfielder Ellen Sanders (four goals, 10 points). Senior midfielder Kathleen Motheral has been credited with four helpers to aid UA's cause.
Lighting Up the Board
In pitching four shutouts, Alabama has dominated its opposition by a 39-6 goal disparity. The Tide has out-scored foes, 20-4 in the first half and followed with a 19-2 margin in its favor over the final 45 minutes. UA holds an eye-popping 208-50 edge in shot attempts as well. As expected from such tremendous production, the unit leads the conference in points (111), goals (39) and assists (33). The average of 4.33 goals per contest enabled the Tide to surpass North Carolina as the top offense in the country.
How About Some Applause for the Defense?
Junior Courtney Rogers has started nine matches in goal for the Crimson and White and has a scant 0.76 GAA with 26 saves. She has surrendered six goals in 708 minutes between the posts. The only instance that 'Bama has given up more than one goal came in the squad's 2-1 loss to Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 22.
Trying to Erase Some Bad Memories of Tuscaloosa
The Alabama Soccer Complex is one of five opposing SEC venues in which the Lady Vols have not tasted victory. Tennessee dropped a 2-1 decision on Sept. 14, 1998, to the Tide and later saw its '98 season come to an end with a 1-0 defeat to the Crimson Tide in the SEC Tournament on Nov. 5 of that year.
The Orange will try to snap losing skeins at Eastern Division rivals Georgia (0-3), Kentucky (0-2) and Vanderbilt (0-2) this season, but stopping a three-game slide at Florida will have to wait until Oct. 18, 2002, at the earliest.
Watson and the Tide Are Hot-Shots Nationally
Not only does Alabama's Danielle Watson find herself at the top of the Southeastern Conference's list for points (25) and goals (11), the senior is fifth in Division I in points per match average (2.78) and is seventh in goals per match (1.22). The Crimson Tide is tied for 18th in goals against average (0.67) and UA is tied for ninth with its .889 winning percentage.
Something to Ponder
Of Tennessee's seven matches, five have been against clubs ranked in the Top 25 at the time of the contest. The Lady Vols have forged a 2-2 mark in one-goal matches, with wins over #13 Brigham Young (2-1) and #16 Wake Forest (2-1) and defeats to #19 Southern Cal (1-0) and #7 Clemson (4-3 in double OT). Alabama's only close call this fall resulted in the defeat at MTSU, 2-1.
1999 UT-Alabama Recap
Sunday, Sept. 12, 1999, appeared to be a breakthrough day for the Lady Vols, as they topped 16th-ranked Alabama, 3-1, to complete a first-ever sweep of their opening SEC weekend. After Danielle Watson put the visitors on the board at 4:36 with a shot from around 20 yards out into the top right corner, the Orange answered when Allison Campbell deflected a corner kick taken by Rachael Newkirk for the equalizer. Laura Lauter gave the Lady Vols the advantage at 24:41 with a spectacular rush through several UA defenders. The forward wheeled and dealed down the right side of the field and managed to bear first-team All-SEC goalkeeper Rachel Brown on the left side. Momentum shifted back and forth through the second half before Kendyl Michner fired in a direct kick at 73:02 to provide the Big Orange with a 3-1 cushion.
The Tide had a golden opportunity to edge closer with just over nine minutes remaining, as junior midfielder Tiffany Carle attempted a penalty kick. However, UT's Ellen Dean rose to the challenge and not only stopped the initial shot with a diving deflection, but also a follow-up by an Alabama player. The save marked the first time in Tennessee history that UT had denied a penalty kick.
Dean was later named to Soccer America's Team of the Week for her sterling play. Although the Orange would later climb into the publication's national rankings at 20th with its 3-1 record, a program-worst five-match losing streak soon followed between Sept. 14-28 that saw UT fall to Loyola (Md.) (1-0), George Mason (3-1), #24 Iowa State (1-0), Kentucky (3-0) and Vanderbilt (3-1).
Hoping for a Different Result
As mentioned previously, Tennessee has endured two disappointing visits to Tuscaloosa in its existence. On Sept. 14, 1997, the Orange found itself on the short end of a 2-1 margin despite out-shooting the Tide, 19-4. Alabama opened the scoring at 6:30 on a header by Laura Reddin before UT's Holly Kimble knotted the match on an assist by Debbie Markovich at 70:22. UA forward Ashley Kirkland was responsible for the winning effort at 76:08 after slipping past a Lady Vol defender in a one-on-one situation.
Charged with the burden of meeting the 25th-ranked Crimson Tide on its own field on Nov. 5, 1998, at the SEC Tournament, UT carried the majority of the game's action. However, in what had become an all too familiar refrain in the series to that point, a single goal proved to be the difference.
Alabama defender Martha Mouring notched the only score of the match at 46:25 off a corner kick taken by Leah Formby and the hosts managed a 1-0 decision. In the encounter, the Lady Vols held a 12-8 advantage in shots, but the high octane trio of Allison Campbell, Laura Lauter and Kendyl Michner was stymied repeatedly by All-SEC net-minder Rachel Brown.
Fabulous Frosh Flamini Finagles First Month Lady Vol Accolade
After an outstanding debut in which she led the Lady Vol soccer team in scoring and propelled her squad into the national polls for the first time in the program's six-year history, freshman Sue Flamini was named as the EdSouth Athlete of the Month for September in a vote taken by the media relations office. The midfielder becomes just the second soccer player to earn the accolade, as current sophomore Rhian Wilkinson picked up the honor in October 2000. The Cranford, N.J., native has provided an instant impact for the Orange, pacing UT's offensive attack with team-bests in points (11), goals (four) and assists (three).
"While Sue has surpassed my expectations thus far, there is still an incredible amount for her to improve upon and learn in order to reach the next level," said Lady Vol head coach Angela Kelly. "If she continues to progress at the speed she is now, she has the potential to become one of the dominating midfielders nationally. Sue is even more talented than I thought she was throughout the recruiting process, which is a very exciting realization. Her desire to be the best is what will allow her to become the greatest player she can be."
Last Time Out: Record Crowd Watches Tar Heels Pick Up Another Win
Top-ranked North Carolina, winners of 16 of the 19 NCAA Tournaments, made its second-ever visit to Knoxville on Sept. 26, and left town with a 5-2 decision over the host Lady Vols. After UNC tallied four goals in the opening 45 minutes, the Orange scored twice in the second frame to finalize the margin. The goals marked the first time in 2001 that the 'Heels did not shut out their opponent. In fact, UNC has since blanked Auburn (2-0) and UAB (2-0) to boost its ledger to 8-0.
After the match, Angela Kelly, who played at UNC from 1991-94, said it was fun to go against her former coach, Anson Dorrance.
"It's always exciting. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Anson. He's kind of the Dean Smith of women's soccer."
Dorrance said the Lady Vols were a reflection of how Kelly played at UNC.
"We told this to our girls at the pregame, we said 'If this team plays anything like Angie played for us we're going to be in for a heck of a game', and that's exactly what they did. They reflected Angie's heart and her tenacity and her work ethic on the field."
Strolling Through the Turnstiles
A standing-room only crowd of 3,042 crammed the UT Soccer Complex for the encounter between the Lady Vols and Tar Heels. While the capacity for the stadium is listed at 1,200, Tennessee had previously drawn 2,631 for its first match in school history against Chattanooga on Aug. 30, 1996, and had 2,091 fans turn out for Carolina's previous visit on Oct. 4, 1998. Last week marked the eighth time in 48 matches at home that UT has cracked the 1,000-fan mark.
Sweet Redemption for Patrick
In snapping North Carolina's scoreless streak at 410:32 with a successful penalty kick on Sept. 26, junior forward Kim Patrick had reason to celebrate her third goal of 2001. The Pleasanton, Calif., native earned a pair of championship rings as a member of the Tar Heels in 1999 and 2000 and was facing her former teammates for the first time. In addition, Patrick had been stymied on a PK by Clemson keeper Katie Carson early in the second half of the Lady Vols' double-overtime loss to the Lady Tigers on Sept. 23. Tennessee had also never scored on its home turf against the 'Heels, after suffering a 6-0 loss on Oct. 4, 1998 and having fallen behind 5-0 in the teams' meeting last Wednesday.
Ranked Foes at Every Turn
On Sept. 26, #1 North Carolina became the fifth ranked team that the Lady Vols have faced this year. The defending national champions used a four-goal barrage in the first half en route to a 5-2 triumph over the Orange.
Previously, UT upset #13 Brigham Young (2-1) and was blanked by #19 Southern Cal (1-0) during its opening weekend in Provo, Utah. On Sept. 20, UT stopped 16th-rated Wake Forest (2-1), but later came up short in the second overtime period against seventh-ranked Clemson, 4-3, on Sept. 23.
In 2000, UT played just two members of the Top 25 at the time of the match all season, falling to #1 North Carolina (6-1 on Sept. 3) before upending SEC rival #15 Kentucky, 3-2, on Oct. 15.
Future Tennessee foes that are found within the various polls include league opponents Florida (#15) and Kentucky (#24). UT will take on the Wildcats in Lexington next Sunday, Oct. 14, and host the five-time defending SEC champion Gators on Oct. 19 in a match to be telecast on FOX Sports Net South.
Wilkinson Lost for Remainder of 2001 Campaign
The Lady Vols received some unfortunate news on Sept. 25 when it was determined that sophomore forward Rhian Wilkinson suffered a broken left foot during the Lady Vols' contest against seventh-ranked Clemson. Tests conducted by the UT Medical Staff confirmed the injury along her fifth metatarsal, sidelining Wilkinson for the remainder of UT's action this season.
The Baie d'Urfe, Quebec, native had started all six matches up front for the Lady Vols and had tallied goals in victories over James Madison and Rutgers and was credited with the winning assist in Tennessee's season-opening upset of #13 Brigham Young.
Patrick Garners Some Recognition
After notching a goal and a pair of assists and attempting a school-tying 12 shots in the gut-wrenching loss to #7 Clemson on Sept. 23, junior forward Kim Patrick was named as the Lady Vol Athlete of the Week in a vote taken by the media relations staff on Sept. 25.
"I am very excited for Kim that she is finally starting to get into a rhythm as a new Lady Vol," said head coach Angela Kelly. "I have the feeling she still has many more dynamic games ahead of her. Kim has an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time and is a consummate goal-scorer."
The transfer from North Carolina paces the Big Orange with 34 shots and now ranks second on the squad in scoring with nine points on three goals and three helpers.
Last season, Patrick registered 24 points on nine goals and six assists and was named all-tournament at the Women's College Cup for the second straight campaign. As a rookie in '99, she led the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring with 42 points and in goals with 18 and earned a plethora of individual accolades. The forward was tabbed an Honorable Mention All-American by College Soccer Online, a Soccer Buzz first-team Freshman All-America selection, a second-team All-Southeast Region choice by Soccer Buzz and she was selected to Soccer Buzz's Southeast Region All-Freshman Team.
Interesting Turn of Events
Before Angela Kelly took over the reins of the Lady Vol soccer team, the Orange and White was a dismal 2-18 (.100) against schools ranked in the Top 25. Since the start of the 2000 campaign, UT has forged a mark of 3-4 (.429), with wins over #13 Brigham Young (2-1 on Sept. 1, 2001), #15 Kentucky (3-2 on Oct. 15, 2000) and #16 Wake Forest (2-1 on Sept. 20, 2001). During that span, Kelly's charges have fallen to #1 North Carolina (6-1 on Sept. 3, 2000 and 5-2 on Sept. 26, 2001), #7 Clemson (4-3 in double overtime on Sept. 23, 2001) and #19 Southern Cal (1-0 on Sept. 3, 2001).
New Faces Getting It Done for Big Orange
With seven newcomers in its starting lineup, people have certainly seen a different Tennessee women's soccer team than in recent seasons. In fact, the quintet of Keeley Dowling (3G, 2A, 8 pts.), Sue Flamini (4G, 3A, 11 pts.), Kim Patrick (3G, 3A, 9 pts.), Lyndsey Patterson (1G, 1A, 3 pts.) and Kayla Lockaby (1G, 2 pts.) accounts for 75 percent of the team's goals, 72 percent of the points and 64 percent of the club's assists.
Should Be Refreshing to See the SEC Foes Instead of the Atlantic Coast Conference
Tennessee recently wrapped up a stretch three consecutive outings against schools from the Atlantic Coast Conference, arguably the top league in Division I women's soccer. Wake Forest, Clemson and North Carolina each advanced to the 2000 NCAA Tournament, which saw the Demon Deacons fall in the second round to UNC and the Tigers reach the Elite Eight before succumbing to UCLA, 2-1. The Tar Heels carried the banner for their conference once again by claiming the Women's College Cup.
UT Uses the "Sixth Sense"
The Lady Vol soccer team has been fortunate to taste the fruits of victory in its openers at the Tennessee Soccer Complex. Here's a rundown of the Knoxville clan's activity over the six season debuts before its home crowd:
> Aug. 30, 1996: 7-0 rout of Chattanooga in what was the first-ever match for the Lady Vols. Whitney Rayburn's seven-point effort paved the way for the easy win, as UT out-shot the Mocs by a 33-1 margin.
> Aug. 29, 1997: 3-0 blanking of Memphis behind a goal and an assist by midfielder Holly Kimble and a shared shutout by Kim Hull and Sarah Shivley.
> Sept. 1, 1998: 5-1 triumph over Chattanooga that featured five different goal-scorers and four points by Shayna Teutsch (1G, 2A).
> Sept. 5, 1999: 4-2 edging of Marquette as Laura Lauter found the back of the net twice and Allison Campbell chipped in with a goal and an assist.
> Sept. 1, 2000: 5-1 caging of the Arizona Wildcats as Tara Minnax scored the opening goal and handed out a pair of assists. Rhian Wilkinson also had two helpers in addition to scoring her first goal at home.
> Sept. 20, 2001: 2-1 decision over Wake Forest behind solid goalkeeping provided by junior Cori Stevens and steady defense by Carie and Tracy Swibas, as well as Lindsey Wiest. Rookies Keeley Dowling and Kayla Lockaby scored in their home debuts.
Flamini Racked Up Individual Accolades
Having keyed the Lady Vols' drive to the crown of the JMU/Comfort Inn Invite, freshman Sue Flamini was named as the SEC Player of the Week on Monday, Sept. 10. The midfielder became only the second UT rookie to earn kudos from the league office, as current sophomore Rhian Wilkinson was chosen on Oct. 30, 1999, following match-winners against Georgia and Northwestern.
The midfielder from Cranford, N.J., was also named as the UT Daily Beacon's Athlete of the Week, the Lady Vol Athlete of the Week and she earned a spot on Soccer Buzz Magazine's Elite Team of the Week.
In victories over host James Madison (4-2) and Rutgers (3-0), Flamini registered six points on two goals and a pair of assists and was chosen as the event's MVP. The 5-3 midfielder notched a goal and two helpers versus the Dukes, while her corner kick to classmate Keeley Dowling at 78:25 served as the go-ahead tally. Flamini later added an unassisted effort with 3:04 remaining to provide the Lady Vols with the two-goal margin.
Dazzling Debut
Head coach Angie Kelly started seven newcomers, including five freshmen, in the Lady Vols' season-opening upset of #13 BYU on Sept. 1. Remarkably, two of these rookies scored against the Cougars, becoming the fifth and sixth UT players to tally in her first outing. Keeley Dowling tickled the twine at 5:18, while Sue Flamini beat keeper Jennifer Waldron at 78:49. Dowling's score was the earliest for a rookie, barely topping Whitney Rayburn's successful shot at 5:35 versus Chattanooga on Aug. 30, 1996.
Block-Buster Rookie Premieres
> Whitney Rayburn -- Aug. 30, 1996 -- Notched a hat trick (goals scored at 5:35, 23:04, 28:02) and an assist in UT's first match in school history, a 7-0 drubbing of Chattanooga. 2,631 spectators attended the contest at the UT Soccer Complex, an attendance record for the Lady Vols until Sept. 26, 2001.
> Melissa Covington -- Aug., 30, 1996 -- Netted a goal and had a pair of helpers in the whitewash of UTC. The Nashville native put up 22 points on nine goals and four assists in her first year.
> Tara Minnax -- Sept. 1, 1998 -- Delivered a goal at 19:20 in a 5-1 win over Chattanooga by connecting from 18 yards out. The current Lady Vol senior is taking a medical redshirt in 2001.
> Allison Campbell -- Sept. 1, 1998 -- The "Franchise" would jump-start her first season by converting a feed from Laura Lauter at 76:36 versus Chattanooga. The forward would go on to set season scoring records in points (46), goals (17) and assists (12) en route to second-team All-SEC and second-team Freshman All-America accolades.
> Keeley Dowling -- Sept. 1, 2001 -- One of the most highly-regarded Lady Vol rookies ever, the midfielder from Carmel, Ind., received a direct kick from Jen Laughridge that propelled UT to a 1-0 advantage over 13th-rated BYU.
> Sue Flamini -- Sept. 1, 2001 -- The midfielder unleashed a rocket from just outside the box to give the Orange a 2-0 cushion over the Cougars. The goal was set up by last season's top rookie, Rhian Wilkinson.
2000 Season Rewind
The Lady Vols are coming off their most successful campaign in school history. Projected to finish 12th in the Southeastern Conference preseason poll released by the coaches, the Big Orange tied a program best with 12 victories and produced a second-place finish in the league with a 7-2 mark. UT's previous high water points in SEC action were five wins (1998 & 1999) and a fourth-place standing in '98.
Unfortunately, the season ended on a down note for the Lady Vols, as they were blanked by Vanderbilt at the SEC Tourney, 2-0. Tennessee wound up tied for 10th in Soccer Buzz's Central Region poll.
Crew Chief of the Lady Vols
A new era for the University of Tennessee women's soccer program was ushered in on Jan. 4, 2000, as Angela Kelly was promoted to become the second head coach in school history. She is 16-11 (.593) overall and 7-2 (.778) in SEC play.
Serving as an assistant at the inception of the Lady Vol program, Kelly arrived at UT in January 1996 after a distinguished playing career at the University of North Carolina. While in Chapel Hill, she helped the 'Heels to four national championships and a staggering record of 97-1-1. Kelly's only loss as a collegian came at the hands of Duke and her newest assistant coach, Samantha Baggett.
Here Come the Blue-Chippers!
Tennessee's recruiting class was rated fifth in the nation according to Soccer Buzz Magazine. Coach Kelly signed four student-athletes to letters of intent for the upcoming season and boosted the team's offense with the transfer of Kim Patrick from NCAA champion North Carolina.
"We are extremely pleased with our class - not only are the incoming players very athletic and talented, they are tremendous people who will become great spokeswomen for the University of Tennessee and our sport," said Kelly. "In total, we are bringing nine players, with the four scholarship signees having received national recognition as high school and club standouts. However, I expect the five walk-ons to contribute significantly in different ways. I am excited to see the immediate impact that this freshman class will make on our squad."
Editor Randy Diggs wrote: "The Lady Vols jump into soccer's elite with an eye-popping class of recruits. Keeley Dowling, Sue Flamini and Kayla Lockaby all were Parade Magazine and NSCAA All-Americans as well as U.S. Youth National Team players. UNC transfer Kim Patrick makes Tennessee an instant threat to anyone's schedule."
Virginia was hailed as having the top class, while UNC, Texas and Santa Clara rounded out the top four. Georgia was the next highest SEC school found in the ratings, as the Bulldogs came in at #16.
Youth Movement Continues for UT
During the spring workouts, Tennessee had four players listed on the active roster who would be seniors during the 2001-02 school year. Now, the number of healthy individuals is one: Sharon Holmes. Projected starting goalkeeper Ellen Dean broke her leg over Memorial Day weekend, midfielder Tara Minnax re-injured the knee in which she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament last fall, and goalkeeper Kim Sgarlata separated her shoulder at the outset of double-sessions in mid-August. Dean and Minnax will be lost for the campaign, while Sgarlata is out indefinitely. As a result, Kelly and her staff are working with a group that includes three juniors, eight sophomores and eight freshmen.
Stingy "D"
Over 20 matches in 2000, the Orange and White's defense yielded just seven goals within the opening 45 minutes and did not allow any opponent to score more than once. Through six matches in 2001, Tennessee had yet to surrender a goal during the first half. BYU scored at 85:41 (Kim Devine), USC netted the lone goal of the match at 72:31 (Shannon Cross), James Madison tallied its scores at 52:51 (Marisa Lemme) and 63:06 (Jamie Miller), Rutgers was blanked, Wake Forest connected at 78:53 (A.B. Robbins) and Clemson delivered goals at 48:41 (Deliah Arrington), 66:28 (Tatum Clowney), 86:48 (Arrington) and 115:33 (Paige Ledford). However, that all changed on Sept. 26, when powerful North Carolina scorched the nets for four goals in the first half: 6:12 (Maggie Tomecka), 16:18 (Jena Kluegel), 17:19 (Anne Morrell) and 40:15 (Kluegel).
Gaining International Exposure
Freshman midfielder Keeley Dowling serves as the captain of the United States Under-19 team, while sophomore forward Rhian Wilkinson and sophomore midfielder Marie-Eve Nault are members of the Canadian Youth National Team. In addition, rookie midfielders Sue Flamini and Kayla Lockaby are on the U.S. Under-18 contingent. Until this group arrived on the scene, Lady Vol midfielder Kendyl Michner had been the only player to represent UT on the national stage, as she competed for the Mexican National Team in the 1999 World Cup.
Around the League This Weekend
Below is a composite schedule of league competition this weekend:
> Oct. 5: Mississippi State at Arkansas, Vanderbilt at Florida, Ole Miss at LSU, Georgia at Alabama, Kentucky at South Carolina
> Oct. 7: Ole Miss at Arkansas, Vanderbilt at South Carolina, Mississippi State at LSU, Kentucky at Florida, Georgia at Auburn
Stevens Among the Conference Leaders
Starting goalkeeper Cori Stevens has totaled 44 saves to rank first within the SEC in that category as of Oct. 2. The junior is 10th in goals against average (1.92) and is tied with four other players for sixth in shutouts with a donut of RU. Tennessee's Ellen Dean, sidelined for 2001 while recovering from a broken leg, established a single-season record in 2000 with 97 saves. Dean placed third in the league in saves, behind Georgia's Nicole Williams (122) and UF's Jordan Kellgren (106).
Current Streaks and Trends
The Lady Vols are 2-0 on an opponent's home field this season, having defeated #13 BYU (2-1) and James Madison (4-2)...Although UT was 4-5 on the road in 2000, the Orange was 3-1 in SEC play away from Knoxville...Following a 3-0 loss to Florida, Kelly's club topped South Carolina (3-0), Arkansas (3-1) and LSU (4-2)...UT will be looking to improve upon its all-time mark of 10-12 (.455) in SEC road matches...UT is 1-0 at Auburn, but 0-2 at Alabama...The Lady Vols' next foes, Vanderbilt and Kentucky, are each 2-0 at home against its Eastern foe...Junior Kim Patrick has scored in her last two matches...Tennessee's 2001 opponents hold a combined record of 88-41-10 (.669) entering this week's play.
Will a Strange Trend Continue?
Tennessee holds a 2-3 (.400) record in its five SEC openers. Oddly enough, the Lady Vols defeated Auburn to begin the 1997 and 1999 campaigns and have fallen to Florida twice and Vanderbilt to start the even-numbered '96, '98 and 2000 seasons.
Thank You, North Carolina
Both UT and Auburn shattered attendance records in their respective last home matches. The Lady Vols drew 3,042 for their 5-2 setback to #1 North Carolina on Sept. 26, while the Tigers had a crowd of 2,523 in a 2-0 loss to the 'Heels on Sept. 28.
On the Road Again
The Orange has four straight SEC tilts away from Knoxville over the next two weekends: at Auburn and Alabama, and at East rivals Vandy and #16 Kentucky.
