Pulaski, Tenn. - The # 4 University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks (16-1) advanced to the MSC Championship semifinals defeating Shawnee State (8-12) 10-0 today.

UTS started out slow in the match but warmed up quickly scoring three goals in the first half. Defender Lily Fisk got the Firehawks going in the 12th minute.  In the 15th minute, Isabelle Vazquez extended the UTS lead from the assist of Suzuho Yamasaki. Yuki Watari struck in the 30th minute from the boot of Estelle Badoedana Ekada. The Firehawks fired in 11 shots in the first half and only allowed one shot by Shawnee State. 

The second half was all Firehawks. Keito Ido scored a haul and two assists. Mackenzie Stroebel added a goal in the 47th minute from Ido and Watari. Adisa Amang had a second half brace. UTS caged the Bears with a 21-2 shot advantage. 

Keepers Gabby Kennedy, Brooke Shavers and Hallie Cherry combined for a dominate clean sheet. The Firehawks got solid minutes from all 24 rostered players. Ido now leads the NAIA with 30 goals on the season.

"I am delighted that our players were able to begin postseason play in style," commented Coach Will Austin. "It was great to get 24 different players lots of minutes and to have so many different goalscorers and assisters. I'm really proud of Keito for scoring her 30th goal of the season tonight: to lead the NAIA in scoring as a freshman is unheard of." 

NEXT UP

The Firehawks will travel to Warren Central High School in Bowling Green, Ky. for a semifinal match with Cumberland.  In their prior match this season the Phoenix snuck past the Firehawks 2-1 at Grissom Pitch. The semifinal match will begin at noon on November 10th.