By Charlie Rath
It’s been 100 wins for Eve Rackham Watt in the SEC at Tennessee. Nine seasons of consistent success, and now, as November begins, the Lady Vols are back on track in the midst of a historic season.
With the score tied 27-27 in the third set, the No. 10 Tennessee needed only two more points to complete the sweep. After battling Mississippi State throughout the set, Tennessee fought its way out, winning the set 29-27 and leaving Food City Center with a sweep
Following a late-season loss to Missouri, the Lady Vols responded with a stronger performance, hitting .354 as a team. With Chelsea Sutton returning from two missed matches and the recognition of Caroline Kerr and Rackham Watt’s achievements, the Lady Vols steadied the season.
In the opening set, the Lady Vols made it clear that Sutton is a key part of this offense, contributing three kills halfway into the set. Her presence is hard to replace as the Lady Vols seem more cohesive with her on the floor.
“Chelsea’s just having a phenomenal year and she’s really experienced in that middle blocker position,” said Rackham Watt.
The Lady Vols finished out the first set with control, 25-20.
In the second set, the Lady Vols established their dominance on the back of a 10-point lead at 11-21. During this run, Kerr ran all the way into the first row of fans for a diving save to continue the rally.
“She’s going to do anything she can to make any plays she can. She’s absolutely not afraid to throw her body anywhere she needs to, Rackham Watt.
After the dive, she returned to the rally and recorded a kill on a highlight-reel play.
The Lady Vols carried that momentum to the end of the set, 25-14.
In the third set, Mississippi State adjusted its lineup and switched to a 5-1 system. The Bulldogs’ adjustments threatened despite the two-set lead, because they had reversed-swept the Alabama Crimson Tide just five days prior.
With the help of the new changes, the Bulldogs looked much more competent, keeping it close and trading points. Neither team could create much separation in this set, as they were tied 23-23.
“When we get to 23-23, because we’re in the SEC, we’re gonna be in these situations moving forward a lot,” Rogers said. “So just staying focused, disciplined, and getting over that hump, staying aggressive and staying on it, keeping the energy and momentum throughout those last two points, I think was the difference for sure.”
It stayed tied until 27-27, when the Lady Vols captured the final two points and put the match away.
“I was really proud of especially the way we finished the third set when our backs were against the wall a little bit, and we found ways to make plays at the end,” Rackham Watt.
Before the match, fifth-year setter Kerr was recognized for reaching 4,000 total career assists. She didn’t let the praise settle her whatsoever, as she finished with 34 assists, four kills and eight digs.
UP NEXT: The Lady Vols are now looking forward to their final home game of the season on Sunday, Nov. 8tat 2 p.m. against Alabama.