There’s not much the Tennessee women’s soccer team hasn’t seen, in terms of ups-and-downs, over the past two seasons.
Those experiences all came to fruition during the Vols’ thrilling 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Louisville Cardinals last Friday.
“There was a belief in our team and in our locker room that we could win,” head coach Brian Pensky said. “When you have players like Bunny Shaw, there’s always a chance.”
As Tennessee prepares to host the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, they will be facing perhaps their most difficult home challenge of the season, as they host the Arizona Wildcats.
Seeking their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2007, the Vols will have to overcome a team that is coming off an emphatic 3-0 victory over Denver a week ago.
Led by sophomore forward Jada Talley with seven goals, the Wildcats average 1.85 scores per match, while boasting a shot percentage of .107.
Under the tutelage of sixth-year head coach Tony Amato, Arizona held a mark of 99-47-16 heading into this season.
For the Vols, however, they’re focusing on what they can control as the postseason continues. Playing at home is where it all starts.
“It’s great to play at home, one of the benefits is the crowd,” Shaw said. “You feel that boost when you have the fans pushing you the entire game.”
With the possibility of playing without Anna Bialczak and Mary Alice Vignola looming, No. 10 Tennessee could be leaning on its depth even more going forward.
Luckily for the Vols, that’s served them well so far. Tennessee was without Shaw for two stints this season and tallied numerous victories in the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year’s absence.
“It’s hard at times, but we have to stick together,” Pensky said. “In the end, that’s going to serve us well.”
Having already lost All-SEC second team selection Erin Gilroy for the season with a torn ACL, there’s no doubt the Vols have been through their fair share of trials and tribulations.
A year ago, Tennessee would find itself without Shaw when she went down in the opening match of the NCAA Tournament.
They would go on to survive the opening round before being dealt a tough blow against Washington State in penalty kicks.
Looking to avoid that same fate, the Vols’ litany of experience in those types of moments may play a factor.
In the last three matchups played at Regal Soccer Stadium, Tennessee has come from behind to steal a win every time, with two of those matches going to overtime.
Overcoming one of the tougher first round matchups on Friday, the Vols’ character showed again when it mattered the most, something that’s become a trend this season.
“It was a testament to the character of our team to go down like we did and just keep fighting and plugging away,” Pensky said. “That was a very good soccer team (that we beat on Friday).”
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET following Texas A&M vs. TCU on SEC Network+.
