By Logan Starkey
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Unranked Missouri toppled No. 16 Tennessee 3-1 in a Halloween-themed Rocky Top to extend its win streak to seven in a row.
Tennessee’s typically outstanding offense faltered, which made way for a on-fire Missouri team to control nearly every second of all four sets. The Vol’s lone set win came from a late four-point push after being behind 23-21 in set two. Up to that point, Missouri controlled the second set.
Lady Vols head coach Eve Rackham Watt took notice of the team’s offensive woes.
“We’ve been a team that spreads the offense around,” said Rackham Watt. “Tonight we just couldn’t get anybody going.”
Rackham Watt’s team was without Paityn Chapman, who is second on the team in total kills, for the majority of the contest. She didn’t check in until late in set four.
Tennessee couldn’t find rhythm offensively, evidenced by a team hitting percentage of .173. Missouri’s hitting percentage was 0.283
Tennessee has a quick turnaround, facing No. 7 Texas A&M in Knoxville on Nov. 2.
The team practices on Nov. 1, forcing them to work through the loss by the end of the night, Rackham Watt said.
As for any potential changes offensively, the Vols’ head coach believes this is a one-off occurrence.
“I’m just going to chalk it up to a bad night,” Rackham Watt said. “This hasn’t been chronic for us. It’s been a strength of ours.”
The Aggies come to Knoxville riding a six-game win streak of their own. One that includes victory over No. 2 Texas. It will be a challenge to rest the offense against a talented SEC foe.