By Charlie Rath
Despite winning the opening set by only two points, the No. 9 Lady Vols (14-3, 5-2 SEC) maintained their composure over Oklahoma (10-6, 3-4 SEC), completing a three-set sweep.
The Lady Vols won the match with set scores of 25-23, 25-22 and 25-22, fighting through Oklahoma’s continuous attempts to close the gap late. Tennessee’s efficiency was ultimately the difference, as the Lady Vols hit .323 compared to Oklahoma’s .224.
Tennessee controlled the first set, but by a small margin. The team opened the set up 8-4, but Oklahoma kept rallying to tie at 12-12 and 22-22. The Sooners never allowed the Lady Vols to hold a commanding lead, keeping the set tight at 24-23 until Jalyn Stout delivered the set-ending kill off an assist from Caroline Kerr.
The second set was a better showing from the Lady Vols, as they executed under pressure. After leading by only one at 22-21, they finished the set 25-22 with a block and two kills to close it out. The Lady Vols held the Sooners to an inefficient second set with a .107 hitting percentage.
In the third set, the Lady Vols showed they could take a commanding lead, but they struggled to hold it. Pulling ahead 20-13, they looked to be in control, but Oklahoma didn’t give up. The Sooners pulled the set to 23-21, but Chelsea Sutton pulled it away, finishing the set at 25-22.
The Lady Vols weren’t dominant on the scoreboard, but they did prove their ability to close out a set.
Stout continues to be an x-factor.
Stout showcased her skills again, proving to be a reliable offensive option, helping the Lady Vols with 12 kills on 21 attempts with two errors, for an excellent .476 hitting percentage. In the third set, she contributed multiple kills to help build a seven-point lead at 12-5.
UP NEXT: The Tennessee Lady Vols are on a roll, continuing their five-match win streak in SEC play. Now, they return home at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 to face No. 4 Kentucky, looking to add another win in conference play.