UT off on right foot, 2-0

In the fall of 2005, Mick Imgram's injured knee forced her to redshirt her freshman year with the Tennessee women's soccer team.

Saturday night at Regal Soccer Stadium, the fifth-year senior's foot was the focus of attention, but with happier results. Her two goals helped the Lady Vols win their regular-season opener against East Tennessee State, 2-0.

The Washington, D.C., area resident's first goal came on an assist by Emily Dowd and Emily Shore 15 minutes into the first half, while her second was a long unassisted kick with just over 12 minutes remaining in the match.

"It was a little bit of a surprise to myself," she said of her two goals. "I am obviously glad and happy someone on my team was able to find me."

For Imgram, finding herself and her role as one of the team leaders has been a long but fulfilling journey. She said she now looks at the injury as a blessing.

"It really is," the forward and midfielder said. "It wouldn't have happened as well for me if I didn't have the freshman year to learn.

"Having now four years of learning under my belt is definitely a plus."

Imgram has not just been a leader for the Lady Vols in the scorebook, however.

"She is the first out in practice," said Lady Vols coach Angela Kelly, who is entering her 10th season at Tennessee.

"She has been leading in the weight room and she is the most fit she has ever been. She is doing all the right things. I am really excited for her."

While Imgram has been a key part of the Lady Vols' past and present, the future also was on display Saturday, as freshmen Alexis Owens, Amy Harrison, Jayden Barrett, Ali Hall and Kylie Bono were among the 17 Lady Vols who saw action.

"We are very excited with this young team," Kelly said. "It was a big improvement in the rhythm of play from last week."

She also was impressed with the play of East Tennessee State, even though the Lady Vols took 16 more shots.

"Give credit to East Tennessee State University," she said of the team that features Bearden High graduate Alex Meehan as a starting defender.

"It was definitely a tough battle. They are going to do very well. They were very physical."

John Shearer is a freelance contributor.