The No. 8 University of Georgia soccer team defeated Tennessee, 1-0, on Friday night to jump to the program’s best-ever start in Southeastern Conference play with a 2-0-1 record on the season.

Additionally, it’s the best overall start the Bulldogs have had since 2009, when UGA went 7-0-1 in nonconference play. 

“It was a really scrappy game, but I thought our players were tough,” Georgia head coach Billy Lesesne. “That’s a sign of a maturing team, that when you don’t play your best you still find a way to win. I think it says a lot about your confidence, growth, and maturity.”

For the second time this season, it was a goal by junior midfielder Abby Boyan that was the difference in the game.  The Spring Lake, New Jersey native put Georgia on the board in the 29^th minute, advancing on a clearance on the top of the 18-yard-box. It was a quick two-touch hit that landed in the back of the net.

The defense was a key component for the Bulldogs. Once again, junior Cecily Stoute and senior Kayla Bruster kept the backline at full strength, keeping the Volunteers to only five shots. Junior Emory Wegener notched her second shutout of the season and 12th of her career, accumulating three saves.

The Georgia attack struggled to finish its opportunities, but looked promising with six shots on goal.  Boyan led the team in shots with three, but sophomore Chloe Chapman came off of the bench and created multiple chances for the Bulldogs. 

Georgia is back on the road at Kentucky on Sunday, October 11, before returning home to face Auburn on October 18.