Tennessee soccer opens SEC play with win vs LSU, Jazmin Ferguson does not play

Tennessee's women's soccer team began their SEC season with a 3-1 victory over LSU on the road. The No. 8 Lady Vols (6-0-1, 1-0 SEC) started strong, with senior forward Shae O'Rourke scoring in the 11th minute, giving Tennessee an early lead. LSU responded with a goal in the 39th minute to tie the game at halftime. Tennessee took the lead again in the 55th minute, with senior forward Taylor Cheatham scoring her third goal of the season.

Junior midfielder Ines Derrien sealed the win with a penalty kick in the 72nd minute, giving Tennessee a 3-1 triumph. LSU, who had a difficult start to their season, benefited from the return of defenders Jazmin Ferguson and Jocelyn Ollivierre. These two players extended their eligibility through a temporary restraining order granted by a Louisiana judge.

Ollivierre, who did not sign a professional contract, played the entire match for LSU. However, Ferguson, who had previously signed a contract with Tampa Bay Sun FC, did not play during the game. The SEC introduced a new rule banning athletes who signed professional contracts or declared for drafts from playing in SEC sports. LSU soccer players returned for their fifth year under the court order, with Ferguson and Ollivierre among the first to do so.