After securing two straight Southeastern Conference victories, the Florida Gators soccer team hit the road for one of its toughest challenges of the season, as it faced a top-five team for the second time this year.
With less than five minutes remaining, the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers had a chance to break the scoreless tie. Sophomore forward Anaiyah Robinson dribbled in front of the box and fired, but the ball was saved by UF redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Paloma Peña.
Florida (6-4-5, 2-4-2 SEC) drew against the Lady Vols (11-3-1, 5-2-1 SEC) 0-0 on Thursday night at Regal Soccer Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Gators have tied or won their last six conference matches.
Despite Florida being outshot 24-7, Peña stood tall in front of the net, securing a career-high 11 saves, which is tied for the third most saves in a single match in program history.
UF freshman forward Katie Johnston earned the first shot of the game in the first minute, but missed outside to the right of the goal, while junior forward Lena Bailey had a chance five minutes later but misfired to the same spot.
Tennessee earned its first attempt of the match at minute 15, courtesy of sophomore forward Alivia Stott, but her shot was saved in the bottom center of the net by Peña.
The Lady Vols had another opportunity at the 18-minute mark, but sophomore forward Reese Mattern fired to Peña, who dove forward to block the shot.
Johnston earned her second shot of the game at minute 23, but UT sophomore goalie Cayden Norris saved it.
At minute 35, UF sophomore defender Skye Barnes had an opportune look to break the scoreless tie, but she fired the ball over the top of the goal. The Lady Vols responded with an attempt with less than a minute remaining in the first half, but sophomore midfielder Skylar Miller missed to the left of the net.
Despite Tennessee outshooting Florida 12-5 in the first half, both teams went into the break scoreless due to strong goalkeeper performances.
Coming out of halftime, the Gators were once again the aggressors, earning the first chance of the second half. However, sophomore midfielder Addy Lang misfired to the outside of the goal.
Vols redshirt freshman defender Devin Davis had a chance to respond seven minutes later, but she launched the ball over the net. Two minutes later, Miller had another attempt, but Peña was once again active for the save.
Barnes had an opportune chance at minute 70, but her shot was saved by Norris.
At the 85-minute mark, UT sophomore defender Sydney Miller had an open look, but missed to the left of the net. Just a minute later, Robinson earned her attempt to give the Lady Vols the lead, but Peña recorded her 11th save of the night to end the match in a draw.
The Gators will head back to Donald R. Dizney Stadium for their last home match of the season against the Ole Miss Rebels (4-2-7, 0-2-6 SEC) Sunday at 4 p.m.
Contact Adrian Carmona at acarmona@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @abcarmona04.
Adrian is a senior journalism major and the soccer reporter for Fall 2025. He enjoys playing Sporcle quizzes and ranting about South Florida sports.
