SOPHOMORE NIGHT WIN SETS STAGE FOR LADY RAIDERS POSTSEASON PUSH
The Roane State Lady Raiders delivered a statement win Friday evening (October 10), defeating Southwest Tennessee 2–0 on Sophomore Night. The victory not only avenged an earlier-season loss to the Lady Saluqis but also boosted Roane State's push toward postseason play.
Head coach Donnie Green said the performance reflected the team's growing chemistry and offensive execution.
"All week we worked on getting numbers up in the box," Green said. "Their goalkeeper is really good, and we knew once we got her to commit, we could beat her. We dominated possession, dominated shots on goal, and our percentages were very good. Offensively, I'm very pleased."
After a scoreless first half, Roane State wasted no time breaking through. Just 47 seconds into the second half, freshman forward Emma Leander netted her first goal of the season, finishing off a crisp cross from Molly Ketterman to put the Lady Raiders ahead 1–0.
Eight minutes later, the duo reversed roles—Leander sending a perfect cross into the box that Ketterman buried in the 54th minute for the 2–0 lead.
"It was great buildup," Green said. "A beautiful cross from Molly to Emma, and then they connected again the other way around. Those two are really starting to click."
The Lady Raiders outshot Southwest 19–8 and held an 11–2 edge in shots on goal. Leander led all players with five shots and four on frame, while Ketterman added two shots and one assist to go with her goal. Maddie Bailey, Zoey Rose, and Monica Bownds each contributed multiple scoring chances as Roane State applied constant pressure throughout the match.
Addison Roberts recorded a clean sheet as goalkeeper with eight saves, turning away every potential score. Roane State's back line—anchored by Bownds, Victoria Moua, and Makhira Ralston, and Jesla Uribe—limited Southwest's looks and cleared several dangerous balls late.
Green said the second-half spark after the halftime Sophomore Night ceremony helped propel his team.
"I joked that we need to have Sophomore Night every halftime," he said with a laugh. "They came out with some fuel and fire in the second half. I'm proud of them. We needed this one."
With the win, the Lady Raiders improve their postseason outlook and continue to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
"We're jelling right now and peaking at the right time," Green said. "I told them I expect us to go 3–0 to finish the regular season. This is a great way to start that push."
Roane State travels to Chattanooga State on Saturday, October 18, for an afternoon matchup scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET. The Lady Raiders look to take the season series from the Lady Tigers after defeating them 5-0 earlier this season.
