Box Score KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Samford University soccer team opened its 2012 campaign with a road loss at Tennessee on Friday as the Bulldogs dropped a 4-0 decision against the homestanding Lady Vols in a season-opening matchup held at Regal Soccer Stadium.
 
Samford (0-1), which has never been known to shy away from stiff competition to open a season, will continue its tour of Southeastern Conference teams next week with a road contest at Alabama. The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide are slated for a 6 p.m. (CDT) matchup to be held at the Alabama Soccer Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
 
Following next week's battle at Alabama, Samford will close out its arduous three-match SEC road stretch at 25^th-ranked Auburn on Aug. 31.
 
Tennessee (1-0) competed well for first-year head coach Brian Pensky on Friday and took a 1-0 lead into the half. The Lady Vols' opening goal of the evening was scored by Caroline Brown in the 16^th minute of play as she tallied an unassisted goal through the middle of the Samford defense.
 
At the half, Tennessee outshot the Bulldogs 4-1, but Samford was leading in corner kicks 3-1.
 
The Lady Vols' Amy Harrison shifted the momentum of Friday's match in the second half of play by scoring a pair of goals in the 53^rd and 60^th minutes of play. Her first goal was assisted by both Brown and Iyana Moore, while her second score was solely aided by a rainbow pass from Moore.
 
Tennessee notched its fourth goal of the evening in the 67^th minute as Kylie Bono tallied an unassisted score from the upper right corner of the box.
 
Samford finished Friday's contest with seven shot attempts and were paced offensively by junior midfielder Jordan Johnson's three shots. The Bulldogs' transfer from Florida State was also responsible for both of Samford's shots on goal.
 
Jessica Perry, a true freshman, made her first career start in goal and finished with three saves. The Bulldogs' native of Webster Groves, Mo., logged all 90 minutes for Samford.
 
The Samford University soccer team will next be in action on Aug. 24, as the Bulldogs travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., for a key in-state contest against the Alabama Crimson Tide to be held at 6 p.m. (CDT) at the Alabama Soccer Stadium.