Buried underneath the Tennessee soccer team’s high-powered offensive unit is a foundation built on stopping the opposing team from scoring.

Hosting the University of Tennessee-Martin on Sunday at Regal Soccer Stadium, it wasn’t the high temperatures that plagued the streaking Vols.

Tennessee notched 29 shots in last week’s win over Wright State and while Sunday’s matchup with the Skyhawks didn’t mirror that, Coach Brian Pensky’s unit found a way to prosper through the adversity.

Propelled by solid second half adjustments and offensive brilliance from Danielle Marcano, Tennessee overcame a slow offensive start that saw UT-Martin allow just three shots in the first half to defeat the Skyhawks 2-0.

“It was a tale of two halves, I thought we were a bit lethargic in the first half and that’s on me,” Pensky said. “I think you saw a different team in the second half … that’s how we have to play all the time.”

The win marked the fifth straight home shutout of the season for the Vols who continue to climb the rankings as the season progresses.

Without All-SEC forward Khadija Shaw for the short-term future, Tennessee finished this home stand 3-0 as they prepare to head on the road for the next two games.

Here were two keys to the Vols second-half resurgence.

Marcano’s offensive brilliance

Marcano hadn’t scored a goal since she propelled Tennessee to its first NCAA Tournament game win against Murray State and to overtime against Washington State.

“The kid is incredibly quick and she’s dangerous,” Pensky said. “We know that at any moment she can score.”

As the Vols struggled to find their footing on the offensive end early, Marcano found the back of the net for the first time during the match’s eighth minute during a period in which Tennessee was outshot 5-3.

Despite her knack for coming through in big moments, Marcano credits her success to the sharp play of her teammates.

One of Tennessee’s sneakiest weapons on offense, Marcano was second on the team in shots only to Salera Jordan, who’s energy off the bench also assisted in changing the Vols’ fortunes.

Second half adjustments

While Tennessee’s offense attempted nearly 30 shots against Wright State, they were unable to top five in the opening 45 minutes of Sunday’s match.

Marcano credits the Vols’ second half adjustments with turning the game around during the final period.

“He got onto us, three shots isn’t good enough as a team and we knew that,” Marcano said. “We just came out firing in the second half.”

Not only did Tennessee record 19 shot attempts during that span, they surrendered just four to the Skyhawks after falling behind in that category.

Having yet to lose a game this season as they begin their first two-game road trip of the year, Pensky feels there are still ways the Vols can improve.

“I feel great that we’re 5-0-1 right now … but we have to get better.” Pensky said.