KNOXVILLE, TN- It had been two years sense Illinois had faced Tennessee and the Illini traveled to the "Train Yard" hoping to avenge their 7-6 loss. Unfortunately for the Illini the Volunteers had other plans. A day prior to the game there had been three inches of snow covering the turf but nature shifted and game time conditions were perfect for lacrosse. The first quarter was sloppy and it set the stage for the next three. It took nine minutes for the first goal to be scored. Freshman attackman Brian Powers had the honors and put one in off of a nice drive and dump from junior attackman Larry Tilley. Five minutes later with 44 seconds left in the first quarter Illinois netted their first goal of the game. The second quarter was back and forth but going into halftime the Vols were up by one thanks to senior attackman Chris Bicsak and freshman attackman Jim Blunden. Bicsak had two goals, both assisted by junior midfielder Gray Fuller. Blunden's goal was assisted by Larry Tilley for Tilley's second assist of the game. When the teams came out after halftime there was frost on the field and a cold northern breeze. Tennessee struck first with a goal from Tilley but, after that Illinois fought back with three unanswered goals. When the forth quarter rolled around the Vols found themselves in an all to familiar place. The score was 6 to 6 and after one goal from each team in the forth it looked like the game was going into overtime. The final two minutes were long for both teams. The ball went back and forth but the Vols gained possession at midfield after a loose ball push on the Illini. With six seconds left chaos broke out as both teams raced to get the correct personnel on the field. During the chaos UT junior defenseman Aaron Wise made a heads up play and picked the ball. Wise received a quick whistle and lobbed the ball over the Illinois defense to Larry Tilley who then, immediately turned and shot from just inside the box. The shot took the goalie by surprise and won the game 8-7 for the Vols. "Somehow, someway, we find a way to win the close games," said head coach Alex White after the game. "Our kids have a lot of heart and never give up." The Vols will try to continue the 4 game winning streak against #17 Florida State on Sunday.