KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Northwestern’s bid for a second-half equalizer fell short as the Wildcats couldn’t find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss at No. 10 Tennessee.
After an early Lady Volunteer goal from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, Northwestern (2-3-2) pushed hard for a tying goal, outshooting UT 12-9, but fell just short.
Senior forward Sarah O’Donnell nearly put the Wildcats in front in the 10th minute, intercepting a pass intended for the Tennessee goalkeeper, but her shot went just wide.
The Lady Volunteers (5-0-1) responded immediately, grabbing an early lead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. Junior midfielder Ines Derrien stepped up and converted her penalty kick after a Northwestern foul inside the 18-yard box.
In the 47th minute, lightning was detected in the Knoxville area, sparking a 34-minute weather delay.
The ‘Cats came out of the weather delay strong, pushing for an equalizer. NU outshot Tennessee 9-1 and held a 3-0 advantage in corner kicks over the final 45 minutes, but UT goalkeeper Cayden Norris stood tall, making a pair of saves to preserve the lead.
First-year forward Kayla Kamdem made her collegiate debut, appearing as a first-half substitute.
The ‘Cats return home to Evanston to open Big Ten play against Michigan on Thursday, Sept. 10. Kickoff from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on B1G+.