The thunderous roar of mother nature could not stop the Lady Vols soccer

team from dominating the rain-soaked field as they battled the Florida

State Seminoles on Sunday afternoon.

Seemingly a sunny day, fans watched the first half from behind their shades

as the Lady Vols competed for the final time this season. Also in

attendance were Olympic gold medalists Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Tisha

Venturini, who signed autographs during the half-time storm.

The initial 45 minutes of play were close, resulting in a 1-1 tie at the

break. The Tennessee goal by freshman Laura Lauter marked her seventh for

the season. Despite Lauter’s success in finding the back of the net, the

Seminoles outshot the Vols 7-3 and were apparently in control of the game.

During the half-time break, the clouds that had been rolling in erupted and

sent fans and players looking for shelter from the high winds and hail that

resulted. While the fans willing to endure the bone-chilling display from

mother-nature huddled together under over-hangs, the Lady Vols regrouped

and prepared themselves for the second half.

As though electrically charged from the streaks of lightning that struck

during the 15-minute delay, the Lady Vols came back with force. The

goal-scoring efforts of Lauter (2), sophomore Kendyl Michner and senior

Debbie Markovich helped Tennessee defeat the Seminoles 4-1.

The Lady Vol defense, led by sophomore goal keeper Sarah Shivley, also came

back with a vengeance. With two crucial saves from sweeper Kassie Kees, the

Vols shut down the Seminoles’ offense and out-shot them by 11 in the second

half.

The triumph of the victory was multi-faceted for the Lady Vols, who had

lost to Florida State last season 5-0. aside, the day also marked the end

of a fine collegiate career for seniors Markovich, Holly Kimble, Jodie

Hanlon and Bethany Himel.

Those fans dedicated enough to stay for the conclusion of the game

celebrated with the team as they ended their season with an exclamation

point.

Coach Charlie MacCabe was happy with his team’s performance and the results

of the weekend’s competitions — the team also won their game Friday night

against Texas.

“Yesterday’s game was very emotional for us,” MacCabe said. “We used all of

our players, and everyone played well.”

Victory in the final two games for Tennessee is indicative of the quickly

improving soccer program and the determination of the dedicated athletes.

After losing to both Texas and Florida State last season, the Lady Vols

have come back to show that they have what it takes to be a threat in the

conference and ultimately the nation.

“I’m very pleased with the type of soccer we are playing and even more

excited about what we can do in the future,” MacCabe said.

Ending their season with an 11-8 overall record, the Lady Vols soccer team

continues to improve their skill, perfect their technique and strive for

success.

Like the persistent sun that peaked out from behind Sunday’s cloud-covered

sky, the Lady Vol soccer team will continue to persevere in the seasons to

come.