Tennessee soccer looks to return to winning ways when it faces No. 18 Kentucky on Thursday.

The Lady Vols (6-2-3, 1-1-2 SEC) completed their two-game road trip with draws against South Carolina and Mississippi State, while the Wildcats (7-0-4, 1-0-3 SEC) are coming off a win against Alabama — its first in conference play.

Against Mississippi State on Friday, Tennessee overcame a three-goal deficit with 20 minutes remaining to secure a draw. Head coach Joe Kirt believes that his team’s toughness was what allowed the Lady Vols to get a point.

“There’s a lot of little things that contribute to it in terms of our competitive fight and doing our job,” Kirt said. “I think that’s at the heart of it.”

Tennessee allowed a season-high 23 shots to the Bulldogs, but only five came on goal. As the Lady Vols have moved into conference play, their defense has not met the challenge of stronger opponents. Tennessee has allowed seven goals in four SEC games, which is more than they had been allowing over the non-conference portion of the schedule.

This was especially evident against South Carolina and Mississippi State, as the two combined for 42 shots across the two games.

“Both South Carolina and Mississippi State were pretty direct and put balls in behind us,” Kirt said. “Getting balls closer to goal allowed a few more shots than we would have liked.”

The strength of Kentucky’s offense is its consistency. The Wildcats average over 13 shots per game, but they have only scored 19 goals in their 11 games.

Jordyn Rhodes has scored nine times for Kentucky this season. In five seasons with the Wildcats, Rhodes has recorded 45 goals and is the career leader for her program. Kirt believes she will be a challenge to defend because of her ability.

“She’s similar to Jaida (Thomas),” Kirt said. “She’s really good in the box. She puts herself in great spots. She’s a physical presence. She has a knack for putting herself in some really good positions, and she can finish chances, certainly with her head.”

On defense, the Wildcats have only allowed five goals all season, but two goals came in their last two games. Because they allow so few opportunities, Tennessee’s priority will be focused on making the most of the chances it does get.

“I think we were impatient against Mississippi State,” Kirt said. “We got away from some of the things we like to do. We have got to be more patient in the final third. We rushed some chances.”

Kentucky averages 5.3 shots allowed per game while allowing 2.2 shots on goal. The Lady Vols have had trouble with their conversion rate all season, and Thursday’s game will be a test in this area.

Kameron Simmonds returned from her two-game absence to play for Jamaica against Mississippi State, but she did not record a shot in 65 minutes of play. Simmonds’ play could make more of an impact as she reacclimates to playing for the Lady Vols.

Kirt believes that if his team can stay true to its identity, Tennessee should be able to get something from Thursday’s game.

“We have got to get back to who we are and what we’re about,” Kirt said. “I think if we can do that, we’re going to be fine.”