Simmons stars in return as Tennessee downs Rutgers in season opener
Tennessee wins second straight season opener
What This Story Is About
- Tennessee’s season-opening win over Rutgers
Why It Matters
- The Lady Vols begin the season 1-0
What Happens Next
- Tennessee faces South Alabama on Sunday
For Context
- Tennessee has won back-to-back season openers and improves to 21-8-2 all-time in such games
Catch Up
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Kylee Simmons scored a pair of goals in her first game since tearing her ACL ahead of the 2025 season as Tennessee opened the 2026 campaign with a 4-1 win over Rutgers on Thursday inside Regal Soccer Stadium.
First-year Lady Vol Kai Tsakaris, a transfer from Florida, also netted a brace. The 2025 SEC Third Team selection scored in the 32nd and 86th minutes in her Tennessee debut.
Tennessee outshot the Scarlet Knights 18-12. The Lady Vols put eight shots on goal to Rutgers’ four.
Tennessee now leads the all-time series against Rutgers 2-1, picking up its first win since 2001.
The Lady Vols host South Alabama at 2:00 inside Regal Stadium on Sunday.
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