Thursday, August 14
Starkville, Miss.
6:30 PM
UT Martin
at
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Mississippi State
Skyhawks Open 2025 at Mississippi State Thursday
8/12/2025 11:46:00 AM | Soccer
MARTIN, Tenn. – The 2025 University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team opens its 2025 campaign Thursday when it travels to Starkville to take on No. 20 Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m.
"I look forward to watching this team grow as the season progresses," said head coach Mike Varga. "We have a good mix of experienced players and young, talented players who can compete with every team on our schedule. Our non-conference schedule couldn't get much more difficult, but it will prepare us as we enter a very competitive Ohio Valley Conference."
This year's offense will look significantly different from last season, with the Skyhawks returning just three of the seven goal scorers from a year ago, who accounted for four of the team's 14 total goals. Midfielder Unni Wolf scored two goals last season, while forwards Peyton Cook and Caroline Moore each scored one.
Cook has already made her presence felt this season as she scored the lone goal in the team's intra-squad scrimmage and was named to the Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Players to Watch List. Meanwhile, midfielder Alli Buchmann, who missed most of last season due to injury, has returned in top form after smashing home UT Martin's only goal in its exhibition against No. 6 Arkansas from nearly 30 yards out.
Others expected to contribute this season at forward are transfer Kylee Thompson and true freshman Alexandra Weihs. After missing her freshman season due to injury, Ava Huntrods is also expected to compete for significant minutes in the midfield.
Defensively, the Skyhawks return a strong back line that is anchored by seniors Shayla Addington and Parker Gelinas. Gelinas is coming off a 2024 campaign that saw her earn All-OVC honors. Sophomore Anna Østergaard Ibsen also returns to help the Skyhawk defense, as does Joelle Stinson, who looks to bounce back after being sidelined by an injury a year ago.
UT Martin is spoiled for choice at goalkeeper this season, with three reliable, veteran options to choose from. Mac Titus played all 18 matches in goal for the Skyhawks last season, where she allowed just 1.59 goals per game, while averaging 5.33 saves per game. Titus played the first half of the exhibition at Arkansas and allowed only one goal while making three saves. Molly Corgan made two saves against the Razorbacks, while Jordyn Riffle rounds out the goalkeeping options for the Skyhawks.
This group of veterans and newcomers will be tested early and often with non-conference road matches at Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Memphis and Southern Illinois. Fans will also have the opportunity to see the new-look Skyhawks frequently in the early stages of the season, with home matches against North Alabama, Austin Peay, Illinois State, Murray State, and Evansville. UT Martin opens its home slate against Arkansas State August 17.
The Skyhawks open OVC play at home on September 17 against Southern Indiana and wrap up the regular season, also at home, October 26 against SIUE.
"I look forward to watching this team grow as the season progresses," said head coach Mike Varga. "We have a good mix of experienced players and young, talented players who can compete with every team on our schedule. Our non-conference schedule couldn't get much more difficult, but it will prepare us as we enter a very competitive Ohio Valley Conference."
This year's offense will look significantly different from last season, with the Skyhawks returning just three of the seven goal scorers from a year ago, who accounted for four of the team's 14 total goals. Midfielder Unni Wolf scored two goals last season, while forwards Peyton Cook and Caroline Moore each scored one.
Cook has already made her presence felt this season as she scored the lone goal in the team's intra-squad scrimmage and was named to the Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Players to Watch List. Meanwhile, midfielder Alli Buchmann, who missed most of last season due to injury, has returned in top form after smashing home UT Martin's only goal in its exhibition against No. 6 Arkansas from nearly 30 yards out.
Others expected to contribute this season at forward are transfer Kylee Thompson and true freshman Alexandra Weihs. After missing her freshman season due to injury, Ava Huntrods is also expected to compete for significant minutes in the midfield.
Defensively, the Skyhawks return a strong back line that is anchored by seniors Shayla Addington and Parker Gelinas. Gelinas is coming off a 2024 campaign that saw her earn All-OVC honors. Sophomore Anna Østergaard Ibsen also returns to help the Skyhawk defense, as does Joelle Stinson, who looks to bounce back after being sidelined by an injury a year ago.
UT Martin is spoiled for choice at goalkeeper this season, with three reliable, veteran options to choose from. Mac Titus played all 18 matches in goal for the Skyhawks last season, where she allowed just 1.59 goals per game, while averaging 5.33 saves per game. Titus played the first half of the exhibition at Arkansas and allowed only one goal while making three saves. Molly Corgan made two saves against the Razorbacks, while Jordyn Riffle rounds out the goalkeeping options for the Skyhawks.
This group of veterans and newcomers will be tested early and often with non-conference road matches at Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Memphis and Southern Illinois. Fans will also have the opportunity to see the new-look Skyhawks frequently in the early stages of the season, with home matches against North Alabama, Austin Peay, Illinois State, Murray State, and Evansville. UT Martin opens its home slate against Arkansas State August 17.
The Skyhawks open OVC play at home on September 17 against Southern Indiana and wrap up the regular season, also at home, October 26 against SIUE.
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