Moving through SEC play, Tennessee marches on to beat LSU, 2-1, in a fast-paced matchup at Regal Stadium. The No. 5 Lady Vols improve to 8-1-1 on the season with the win.

Klurman in clutch

The Lady Vols started quickly in the first half with many close shots from players like Sarah Kate Rath, Luciana Latino and Mac Midgley. In total, the team racked up eight shots in the first half, holding LSU to two shots. The aggressive playing style proved to be efficient, resulting in a far, launched goal from Leah Klurman, marking her first of the season.

“I saw so much space, so I just attacked the space, and saw a wide open goal,” Klurman said. So I just took my chance and went in.”

Chemistry in motion

Moving into the second half, the Lady Vols stayed consistent as they kept the game high-energy and resumed their connected chemistry. They did face more pressure in that half, with the Tigers bringing more shots in the box, totaling 11 in the second.

Tennessee, however, pushed back, scoring its second goal in the 65th minute. Kate Runyon found the back of the net from the left side, sliding past the goalkeeper. This marks her fourth goal of the season and her career 10th.

Norris in action

Goalkeeper Cayden Norris also saw more movement in the second half with four saves, as opposed to zero in the first. In the 70th minute, Norris faced a penalty kick from LSU and was unable to save, bringing the final score to 2-1, but she kept a consistent performance overall.

“She makes plays, she never panics. She’s always in control,” head coach Joe Kirt said. “What Ally (Zazzara) has done in the past, and what Cayden has stepped into this year, she’s always confident, always composed. That helps the team in front of her take a deep breath and be like ‘She’s got our back’, and they do a lot in front of her, but she cleans up what they don’t.”

“Joe told us before the game, ‘Just come out and do your job,’ and I think everyone did that,” Norris said.

Moving onward

Klurman also spoke more on the team afterward in connection with the past week on the road.

“I think after our loss at Mississippi State, it was easy to put our heads down. But after that loss, we’ve only gotten stronger as a team.” Klurman said. “We needed a setback. I think our movement on and off the ball was just great today and we had so much team chemistry out there.”

Next up, Tennessee faces Texas A&M on Sept. 26 at Regal Stadium at 7 p.m. It is the first time facing the Aggies since 2023.