PULASKI, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern opened the 2022 season extending their winning streak to double digits powered by a 4-1 win over Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday, August 27th. 

Late in the first half, Senior Estelle Badoedana Ekada would fire a shot past the keeper to jump the Firehawks to a 1-nil lead at the half. Junior Ravynne Wilson would be credited with the assist. UTS would lead the shot count 12-3 at the break.

The second half was filled with netted shots. Wilson would score her first goal as a Firehawk from the Yuki Watari helper in the 51st minute. Ekada would blow by the defense again and complete her brace from a Kaitlyn Caminiti pass in the 71st minute. MVN would slip one by keeper Senior Brooke Shavers to draw closer, but UTS wasn't done. Gabrielle Forsythe would claim her first goal of the season from a connection by Ekada with just over 2 minutes remaining. 

Shavers recorded four saves on five chances, earning her first win of the season between the sticks.

After the match, the 2021 NAIA Champions were honored and presented their championship rings.

Last season the University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team achieved many accolades en route to winning both the Mid-South Regular Season and Tournament Championship as well as the NAIA National Championship. The Firehawks sported a 23-1 overall record in 2021 and a 41-2 record over the past two seasons.

Individual Accolades include:

Keito Ido

• MSC Freshman of the Year
• NAIA Leading Scorer – 39
• Broke NAIA National Tournament Individual Goals Scored Record – 8

Yuki Watari

• MSC Player of the Year
• NAIA Most Assists – 26
• NAIA National Tournament Most Valuable Player
• United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year

Estelle Badoedana Ekada

• Broke NAIA National Tournament Individual Goals Scored Record – 8

Adisa Amang

• NAIA National Tournament Offensive MVP

Team Accolades include:

• Outscored opponents 131-20 (most goals scored in NAIA – 20 more than the second placed team)
• 3.41 Team GPA
• 7 MSC All-Conference Selections
• 23 MSC All-Academic Honors
• 2021 MSC Regular Season Champs
• 2021 MSC Tournament Champs
• Broke NAIA National Tournament Alltime Record for Most Goals Scored – 27
• 10 NAIA All-American Selections
• 2022 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Female Amateur Team of the Year

Coaching Staff Accolades include:

• NAIA National Coach of the Year – Will Austin
• MSC Assistant Coach of the Year – Zach Crownover
• United Soccer Coaches National Staff of the Year

NEXT UP

The Firehawks will travel to Montgomery, Ala. facing former Southern States foe Faulkner on Tuesday, August 30th. The kickoff is set for 7 pm. 

FOLLOW THE FIREHAWKS

Don't miss a minute of the latest action surrounding UTS Athletics by following the Firehawks on Twitter (@GoFirehawks), Instagram

(@gofirehawks), and Facebook (@UTSathletics).