By Stephen Mason
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Food City Center was rocking Friday night as a program-record 7,654 fans turned out to watch the Lady Volunteers’ season opener against the University of South Florida.
The Volunteers matched the energy of their fans and swept USF 25-13, 25-17, and 25-14.
How It Happened
The first set started close, but Tennessee was able to pull away thanks to a spread-out attack. Sophomore middle blocker Chelsea Sutton led Tennessee with three kills in the first set. All three setters were able to get in on the action, with junior Caroline Kerr and freshman Izzy Mogridge each making three assists. Senior libero Gulce Guctekin added two of her own.
“We have three really, really high-level setters, and for this team to be great, I think there’s a place for all of them,” head coach Eve Rackham Watt said after the game.
In the second set, defense was king with Tennessee recording eight total team blocks. Leading the way was senior blocker Kiki Granberry, with four of her own. Improving the team’s defense was a main area of focus for Rackham Watt during the offseason, and she was satisfied with her team’s performance.
Granberry was also pleased with her team’s defensive performance.
“I think tonight was a showcase of all that we put into it … knowing that we’re capable of competing with other teams and their defense,” she said.
The third set saw more dynamic offense and dominant defense from Tennessee as they closed the door on USF and brought home the win. There was one common factor across all three sets, and that was the deafening crowd, who brought the energy all night long.
“I don’t think I can say enough about Vol Nation did tonight,” Rackham Watt said. “I mean, just the attendance, the support, they were so loud, they were so into it, and definitely scored us a few points tonight.”
Up Next
Tennessee will continue its season Sunday in Nashville against No. 15 Purdue in the Broadway Block Party. Game time is set for 3 p.m. inside Bridgestone Arena and broadcast on ESPN2