UNA lost its home opener to East Tennessee State 1-0 at Thursday night’s game, in spite of Madison Vukas’ defensive effort.
Vukas is a transfer from Bowling Green. She transferred to UNA alongside six others who were added to the Lions’ roster this summer. The Lions also added 11 freshmen players to the team.
The Lions’ offensive effort was led by Adelyn Speight and Giselle El Assal in the first half, each making shots on goal. Alice Bussey and Anna Fugarino each taking a shot in the second.
The only goal scored in the game came from ETSU in the 19th minute of the game, after Vukas denied four attempts prior.
Bussey’s 61 minutes on the field were her first appearance in a game since 2023. Lexi Vernsey and Fugarino also clocked 30 minutes each off the bench.
Bussey’s return was long-awaited. After missing the entirety of last season due to injury, she is returning for her third straight year being named a captain.
UNA Athletics calls her the lifeblood of the Lions soccer team.
The Lions’ opponent came to Florence out of a 4-8-4 overall record last year, three of those wins coming from conference games. ETSU was picked seventh in the Southern Conference after losing by one goal to Furman University in the quarterfinals of the SoCon tournament.
UNA’s next game is set in Huntsville, Ala., where they will play Jacksonville State at Joe Davis Stadium on Aug. 17. They hope for a better outcome this year, after hosting JSU at the same site last season, where they lost 0-5.
