University of Tennessee Athletics
Soccer Central: UT vs. Vanderbilt/Indiana State
September 28, 2016 | Soccer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee returns home for two games at Regal Soccer Stadium this week after going 1-1 in a pair of road contests a week ago. The Volunteers host SEC and in-state rival, Vanderbilt, on Friday night before hosting Indiana State on Sunday afternoon.
Make sure to check below for all the promotions and giveaways going on during Friday's game against the Commodores as we try to break the Regal Stadium attendance record set back in 2011. We look forward to seeing everyone pack the stands on Friday night against our in-state rival! Don't miss your chance to make history!
GAME INFO
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt
- Opponent: Vanderbilt Commodores
- Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 30 / 7 p.m.
- Location/Venue: Knoxville, Tenn. / Regal Soccer Stadium (3,000)
- TV: SEC Network + (Online Only)
- Gametracker: UTSports.com
Tennessee vs. Indiana State
- Opponent: Indiana State Sycamores
- Date/Time: Sunday, Oct. 2 / 1 p.m.
- Location/Venue: Knoxville, Tenn. / Regal Soccer Stadium (3,000)
- TV: N/A
- Gametracker: UTSports.com
TEAM INFO
Tennessee Volunteers (6-5, 2-2 SEC)
Roster Schedule StatsVanderbilt Commodores (7-4, 3-1 SEC)
Roster Schedule StatsIndiana State Sycamores (5-7, 0-1 MVC)
Roster Schedule Stats
Need to Know
The Vols went 1-1 on their two-game road trip last week, defeating Georgia on Thursday before falling to No. 12 Florida on Sunday. Rylie O'Keefe continued her stellar play by scoring both goals in UT's win over the Bulldogs and now leads the team in goals (four), assists (six) and points (14). Sophomore goalkeeper Shae Yanez stood out in Sunday's 2-0 loss in Gainesville, making eight first-half saves to set a new single-game career high and hold the Gators' high-powered offense scoreless in the opening 45 minutes. The Big Orange had a 353 minute shutout streak ended in the second half against Florida when Savannah Jordan scored in the 69th minute.
Yanez Literally Unbeatable
The Vols' sophomore keeper has been perfect in goal so far this season. Yanez has started the last four games and has yet to allow a goal in 225 minutes of action, making 17 saves in the process while splitting time with Jamie Simmons. The Downington, Pa., native made a career-high eight stops in the first half alone on Sunday against UF.
O'Keefe Continues to Impress
O'Keefe, a sophomore midfielder, has been dominant for the Vols this season. The Littleton, Colo., native has already more than tripled her point total from last season, leading the team with four goals, six assists and 14 points. O'Keefe is also tied for 12th nationally with six assists and has three game-winning goals for UT. She tied her single-game career high with four points and set a new career high with two goals in the Vols' win at Georgia last Thursday.
Back Four Transformation
After struggling defensively to start the season, the Vols have found their groove in recent weeks. The decision of head coach Brian Pensky to move Maya Neal and Danielle Marcano to the back four has reaped massive rewards for the Orange and White. Tennessee has allowed just two goals while posting three shutouts in its last four matches, and held opponents scoreless for 353 consecutive minutes before giving up a goal in the second half at No. 12 Florida last Sunday. UT is tied for second in the SEC with five shutouts this season.
Success Against In-State Opponents
The Big Orange face their third in-state opponent this season when they host SEC rival Vanderbilt on Friday. The Vols won their previous two contests against in-state foes (ETSU & Middle Tennessee) and will look to improve to 28-12-5 all-time against fellow teams from Tennessee and 18-5-2 at home. UT has outscored its competition by a 6-2 margin during in-state games this season.
Vintage Hannah Wilkinson
UT's active scoring leader, Hannah Wilkinson, is back to producing offensively for the Volunteers after missing the entire 2015 season with a knee injury. The New Zealand international is tied for second on the team with three goals and also ranks second on the team with five assists and 11 points. Wilkinson has already tied a single-season high with five assists this year and needs just one point to crack the top 10 on Tennessee's career scoring list.
Follow the Action
Friday's game will be streamed live on SEC Network +/WatchESPN (Online Only) as Brian Rice (PxP) and Tori Beeler-Watson (analyst) call the action. Fans can also follow live stats for both games by clicking the links above or visiting the soccer schedule page on UTSports.com.
Ticket Information
No tickets needed. Admission to all Tennessee soccer home games is FREE!
Know the Foe
Vanderbilt
The Commodores enter Friday's contest on a three-game winning streak, including back-to-back shutouts over LSU and No. 14 Texas A&M. Vanderbilt sits in a tie for third in the SEC standings with nine points and features a balanced attack that boasts five players with seven or more points. Freshman midfielder Grace Jackson currently leads the team with four goals, six assists and 14 points while senior midfielder Sasha Gray isn't far behind with four goals, two assists and 10 points. Kaitlyn Fahrner has been solid in goal, ranking fourth in the SEC with a 1.01 GAA and 53 saves.
UT's All-Time Record vs. Vanderbilt: 9-10-3
Tennessee will look to even the all-time series and earn its first win over Vandy since 2013. The two teams tied last year's meeting, 1-1, in Nashville.
Indiana State
The Sycamores defeated Fort Wayne, 3-0, last Sunday but have lost three of their past four matches. Indiana State will host Drake on Friday night before making the trip to Knoxville on Sunday. ISU was picked to finish seventh in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll and are led by preseason all-conference selection Maddie Orf. The senior midfielder is tied for the team lead with four goals and ranks second on the team with 11 points. Sophomore forward Katie Wells leads the Sycamores with four goals, five assists and 13 points this season. Brittany San Roman has played nearly every minute in goal while posting four shutouts and making 63 saves.
UT's All-Time Record vs. Indiana State: 0-0
This will be the first meeting between the Vols and Sycamores.
Promotions/Giveaways
Check out the promotions that will be going on at this week's games below.
Friday vs. Vanderbilt
- Free Tennessee Soccer Checkerboard T-Shirt for first 250 Fans
- Free Tennessee Boomstick for First 100 Fans
- $5 Concessions Voucher for First 200 Students
- Free Vuvuzela for First 50 Students
- Student Rewards Swipe In & Prize Pick Up
- Postgame Autographs
Sunday vs. Indiana State
- Free 2016 Tennessee Soccer Calendar for First 600 Fans
- Soccer Sundae: First 100 children get a scoop of ice cream and can make their own sundaes.
- Postgame Autographs
Fan Information/Stadium Policies
Please be advised that the university's new bag policy for all of its athletic venues will be in effect for this event. In order to enhance safety and expedite fan entry at Tennessee athletic events, the university is implementing new safety policies for fans bringing bags into all athletic venues.
Only one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon, clear, resealable plastic storage bag per person will be permitted. Fans will also be allowed a small clutch purse not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Fans interested in purchasing an approved clear bag may visit the Official Team Store at Neyland Stadium, VolShop locations in the Student Union, 17th & Cumberland Avenue and University Commons; as well as other area retailers.
For more information on the new bag policy click HERE.
What's Next?
Tennessee hits the road again to take on LSU next Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge.
