Neighbors’ Goal Lifts Hoosiers Past Vols in Season Opener

Thursday, August 15

Bloomington, Ind.

8:00 PM

Indiana University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Tennessee

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Tennessee

Indiana

Neighbors’ Goal Lifts Hoosiers Past Vols in Season Opener

8/15/2024 11:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Sophomore midfielder Kennedy Neighbors goal in the 50^th minute led the Hoosiers to a 1-0 victory against Tennessee (0-0-1) in their regular-season opener at Bill Armstrong Stadium.

KEY MOMENTS
• Indiana (1-0-0) saw their first opportunity in the first half within the 14^th minute from senior midfielder Hope Paredes. Goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg sent a long drop kick deep into the field finding Paredes for the first chance, but the Vols keeper was there for the stop.
• The Hoosiers held Tennessee to two shots on goal, but even with the advantage Gerstenberg had a great first half between the pipes picking up two saves in the first half before the teams entered the locker rooms, 0-0.
• The Vols' cleansheet didn't last long, as IU started the second half more aggressive and scored in the 50^th minute. Neighbors netted the gamewinner with a loose ball from freshman forward Layla Sirdah in the 18-yard box before striking it straight at the Vols veteran keeper to put the team up, 1-0.
• Graduate defender Avery Snead saw another great opportunity in the 52^nd minute to extend the lead but couldn't convert on the opportunity.
• Tennessee looked to counter with two shots on goal in the 52^nd and 83^rd minutes, but Gerstenberg recorded a couple more big saves to seal the match.

HOOSIER POINTS
GOALS: Neighbors (50')
ASSISTS: Layla Sirdah

NOTABLES
• Neighbors netted her first career goal and the gamewinner over Tennessee.
• Sirdah and Snead made their first career debuts at Indiana.
• Indiana improves to 19-9-4 on opening day.
• Freshman defender Haden Vlcek also saw her first minutes on the pitch for the Hoosiers.
• Indiana out shot the Vols 10-7 and led 8-6 in corners.
• Indiana extended its undefeated streak at home to 9-0-3.
• The Hoosiers are now 2-0-1 against the Volunteers.
• Gerstenberg tallied four saves on the night. She is now tied fourth career victories with 23.

UP NEXT
The Hoosiers will head to Muncie, Ind. for a midweek match with the Ball State Cardinals on Tuesday, Aug. 20^th. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. on ESPN+.

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