Two weeks ago, Tennessee won 1-0 at Georgia, en route to its first-ever outright SEC championship.
Sunday afternoon, the Lady Vols pulled off another 1-0 triumph over the Bulldogs to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.
With the win over Georgia, Tennessee moves on to face another familiar foe in the form of Florida, who scored a 4-3 comeback victory in double overtime against Ole Miss. Friday’s contest between UT and Florida marks the rubber match for the season, with UT taking the first two meetings.
Against UGA, Tennessee found a team that challenged its defense early and often. Both teams were able to move the ball somewhat proficiently in the first half but were unable to connect for any goals.
Tennessee received a scare in the first half when junior All-American defender Keeley Dowling came up limping after an encounter with a Georgia player. After struggling momentarily, Dowling remained on the field.
The first half would pass without any score, a fact that UT head coach Angela Kelly attributed to a difference in mindset.
“The first half was emotionless today, while the second half was emotion full,” Kelly said. “I have to credit Georgia for really challenging this team.”
Four minutes into the second half, Dowling saved a potential Georgia goal when she dove into the goal to kick out a shot from the right side.
Tennessee would find the back of the net in an unconventional type play. With 29:05 remaining, senior forward Rhian Wilkinson knocked in a goal that would go down as the game winner. Wilkinson, who was playing in her first competition at home this weekend, admitted the shot was a little bit of luck.
“Everyone was running in all different directions,” Wilkinson said. “The side just seemed to open up and I had a direct shot at the goal. The goalkeeper couldn’t see a thing and I was lucky enough to get my foot on it.”
Tennessee’s defense would carry it the rest of the way, including a hectic final minute of competition that saw the Georgia goalkeeper come out to play offense. When Dowling finally kicked the ball out of action with 20 seconds left, the game was secure.
“We are happy and fortunate to still be playing,” Kelly said. “Georgia is always a test for us and they played the best 11-person attack at the end I’ve ever seen.
“As ugly as the win may be, we survive and move on.”
