NCAA Women's Tournament Roundup: Tennessee Teams Shine

Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations

This season, five Tennessee teams made waves in the NCAA women's tournament, each showcasing talent and determination despite differing outcomes.

The Tennessee Lady Vols soccer team faced a tough first-round match, losing 3–1 to North Carolina. Tennessee finished the season 12–4–3. The Vols took an early lead when Kate Runyon scored in the 26th minute. A swift response from the Tar Heels shifted momentum pushing through three unanswered goals that ended Tennessee’s run. Head coach Joe Kirt expressed disappointment that the team could not preserve their advantage and reflected on defensive lapses.

In contrast, Lipscomb’s women’s soccer team celebrated a milestone, defeating Mississippi State 1–0 to reach the second round for just the second time in program history. Bella Carapazza’s first-half goal, combined with a disciplined defensive effort, secured the win over the SEC opponent.

Vanderbilt also advanced with a 2–0 victory over Tennessee Tech. Courtney Jones and Mary Beth McLaughlin scored in a match the Commodores controlled; Vanderbilt recorded 21 shots, demonstrating strong offensive pressure. The win sets up a second-round matchup against Clemson as Vanderbilt looks to build on its success.

Memphis earned a thrilling 2–1 victory over Illinois thanks to two goals from Ai Kitagawa. The Tigers outshot their opponent and showed resilience under pressure, advancing to the NCAA second round for the fifth time in program history.

Each Tennessee team left its mark on the tournament, underscoring the state’s growing influence in women’s collegiate soccer. Looking ahead, hopes remain high for continued success on the national stage.