Tennessee’s women’s soccer program kicked off the 2026 campaign in convincing style, defeating South Alabama 2‑0 at Regal Soccer Stadium on August 17. The win marked the Lady Vols’ first victory of the season and kept their record perfect as they look to build momentum early in the schedule.
The match was tightly contested in the first half, but a precise cross from sophomore Kylee Simmons found freshman Ayva Jordan in the 27th minute, where she rose to head the ball into the net and break the deadlock. Jordan’s goal was her first collegiate tally and set the tone for a dynamic offensive display.
Coach Kirt’s Praise
Head coach Joe Kirt lauded the performances of both Jordan and junior Devin Davis, who added his first collegiate goal in the 79th minute. Davis rose to meet a corner delivery from Bella Smith and powered a header that doubled the lead. Kirt described the goals as “really good” and emphasized the importance of creating scoring opportunities and competitiveness on set pieces.
The Lady Vols will next test their early form with a road trip to Milwaukee on August 20, followed by a matchup against Western Carolina on August 23. Both opponents present different tactical challenges, and Coach Kirt says the upcoming fixtures will be valuable gauges of the team’s progress.
Players also had to contend with extreme conditions on the field, as temperatures climbed above 110 degrees during the contest. The heat added a physical strain that tested the squad’s endurance, yet the team managed to execute their game plan effectively.
Overall, the victory underscores a promising start for Tennessee’s 2026 squad. With fresh talent like Ayva Jordan and Devin Davis stepping up, and a coaching staff led by Joe Kirt focused on disciplined attacking play, the Lady Vols appear poised to carry this early success into a competitive season.