By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech soccer team was denied the chance at its first win of the season as Saint Mary's came to Cookeville and left with a 4-0 victory Thursday evening at Tech Soccer Field.
The Gaels (1-1-1) picked up a goal in the first and scored three more in the second to secure their first triumph in 2024. Tessa Salvestrin led the SMC charge behind a hat trick that saw the 5-foot-11 junior split the pipes in the 17th, 46th and 69th minutes, accounting for the squad's first three goals in the match.
Taylor Kessler provided the Gaels with the final score after finding the back of the net on a penalty kick in the 82nd minute.
The Golden Eagles (0-2-1) attempted four shots in the contest behind a pair of on-goal attempts by Neve Renwick, a Meredith Nye bid on-point and a Claire Payla shot in the second half. The Gaels posted 23 total shots and 14 attempts on-goal. Salvestrin notched a match-leading six tries, while Briana Salvetti took five shots, four of which were on-target. Salvetti also assisted on each of the first two SMC goals.
Maggie Conrad tied a career-high with 10 saves, which included nine first-half stops. Kate Plachy picked up her second-consecutive clean sheet thanks to three halts over the course of 90 minutes.
Tech will close out its second week of the regular season with a Sunday evening matchup at Middle Tennessee. Kickoff in Murfreesboro is set for 5 p.m. CT.
Photo by Jim Dillon
