SATURDAY'S SCORES
UT Martin 2, Akron 1 (OT)
UT MARTIN 2, AKRON 1
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Junior Saphyra Coombs-James notched a goal in the 97th minute to give the University of Tennessee at Martin women’s soccer team a 2-1 win over Akron in the finale of the Nike Invitational hosted by Lipscomb.
After a red card gave the Skyhawks an advantage in the 96th minute, UT Martin wasted little time taking advantage. The path to the winning goal began with a steal from freshman midfielder Maggie Burkett, intercepting a pass in the midfielder. Burkett quickly placed a through ball down the middle of the Akron defense, finding Coombs-James in stride. The 2012 OVC Freshman of the Year took the pass and fired into the top left for the winning goal, for her third goal of the season.
The goal for Coombs-James propels the Brampton, Ontario, native deeper into the Skyhawk record book. The winning goal was Coombs-James’ seventh of her career, placing her only one more away from tying for the program lead with Abi Sanvee (2010-13) and Dani Myrick (2002-05). The score was her 18th of her career, putting her in a tie with Sanvee for fourth all-time while 42 career points is fourth most as well.
UT Martin (2-6) came out aggressive in the opening half, taking four shots in the opening 20 minutes. Despite the early chances, the Skyhawks were unable to find the back of the net but had chances as Coombs-James earned a breakaway in the 14th minute only to be denied by Akron goalkeeper Annebelle Hegeman. Less than two minutes later, Burkett fired a shot but it clanked just off the goal post and wide.
UT Martin earned the early lead with a goal just 23 seconds into the second half. After a steal from freshman Lisa Schmieder, she connected with fellow newcomer Sierra Franz who notched her second career goal.
Akron (3-4-1) forced overtime an equalizer in the 79th minute as the Skyhawks looked to double their lead. Coming down the far side, Shea O’Brien passed inside the 18-yard box to find Sarah Savic in stride and just past the diving Skyhawk goalkeeper.
Despite the result, UT Martin was outshoot by the Zips by a slim 11-10 margin with both teams placing six shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Maya Jamison notched her first collegiate victory making a career-high five saves to earn the victory.
After eight matches and over a month away from Skyhawk Field, UT Martin will make its home debut on Friday, Sept. 25 when it opens conference play at 7 p.m. against Eastern Illinois.