Minutewomen Rally For 3-3 Draw Vs. No. 21 Tennessee

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts women's soccer erased 2-0 and 3-2 deficits in the second half to earn a hard-fought 3-3 draw vs. No. 21 Tennessee on Sunday afternoon at Rudd Field. The Minutewomen wrap up non-conference play at 3-2-2, while the Vols sit at 5-1-1.

"We had a feeling they were going to be very athletic and they were, but the ball is the key to everything for us," said UMass head coach Jason Dowiak. "If we're playing against a team that maybe has a bit more speed in certain areas on the field, the longer we keep possession the less dangerous they can be. I don't think their speed became an issue for us at any point because we kept the ball so well."

Tennessee opened the scoring in the 37^th minute when the Vols drew a foul at the top of the 18 yard box and Sonia Ouchene Salón deposited the free kick into the back of the UMass net.

The Vols then pushed their lead to 2-0 in the 64^th minute as MA Vignola converted a penalty.

UMass responded quickly, cutting their deficit in half at the 65:29 mark. Freshman Melissa Kössler drilled a free kick from 23 yards out into the top of the goal for her fourth of the season.

The Minutewomen followed with the equalizer just 66 seconds later. Kössler found sophomore Lauren Bonavita with a cross along the ground that she booted home from the top of the six.

Tennessee climbed back in front, 3-2 in the 75^th minute when May Neal sent a ball over the top that Vignola managed to touch past goalkeeper Peyton Ryan and into an open net.

Kössler responded once more, though, tucking a bouncing ball inside the far post from 10 yards out in the 86^th minute to level things at 3-3.

Bonavita had a chance to net the game winner for the Minutewomen in the 104^th minute, but her attempt, which appeared bound for the goal, was deflected out of play. The Vols then cleared a ball off the line on the ensuing corner kick.

The teams finished even in shots at 13-13, while Tennessee led in corners, 5-1. Ryan logged four saves for UMass and Charli Pogany made three stops for the Vols.

The Minutewomen will be back in action next Sunday, September 22, when the squad will play host to Richmond to open Atlantic 10 play at 1 p.m. on Rudd Field.

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Team Stats

Melissa Kossler

Lauren Bonavita

Ansley Frazier

Rebeca Frisk

Players Mentioned

Lauren Bonavita

Peyton Ryan

Players Mentioned

Lauren Bonavita

Peyton Ryan

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