The Tennessee Lady Volunteers volleyball team is back in the NCAA Tournament, with a thrilling first-round matchup against the No. 7 seed Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This marks another exciting chapter in a season filled with challenges, growth, and ambition. With the tournament looming, fans of Tennessee volleyball are buzzing with anticipation as their beloved Lady Vols (15-11) aim to make a deep run and continue the legacy of success built under head coach Eve Rackham Watt.
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A Strong Start Despite the Setbacks
The 2023 season for the Lady Vols has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The team, which had reached the Sweet 16 in the previous year’s NCAA Tournament, faced significant roster turnover. Four key starters from that historic squad graduated or moved on, leaving Coach Watt to rebuild and retool the lineup. Yet, even amidst these challenges, Tennessee demonstrated resilience, finishing with a respectable 8-8 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This record was enough to tie them for sixth place alongside Oklahoma, a solid finish in a conference renowned for its volleyball excellence.
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Though the Vols faced several obstacles throughout the season, including tough losses to powerful opponents like reigning national champions Texas and a competitive Oklahoma squad, their grit and determination shone through. Their ability to navigate through the fierce competition of the SEC ensured they would remain in contention for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, and that’s exactly what they received.
This marks the Lady Vols’ fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament under Coach Watt’s leadership. The 2023 edition of the team, though different from last year’s Sweet 16 squad, has embodied the same determination and fighting spirit. This marks their 19th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, an achievement that underscores the long-standing success and pride of Tennessee volleyball.
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Key Players to Watch
Despite the roster turnover, Tennessee has remained competitive thanks to standout performances from some of its key players. Senior outside hitter Nina Cajic and redshirt sophomore setter Caroline Kerr have been instrumental in the Lady Vols’ success, earning All-SEC honors for their performances this season.
Cajic, a first-team All-SEC selection, has proven herself as a consistent offensive force for Tennessee. Her ability to rack up kills and provide leadership on the court has been vital to the team’s success. As a senior, she brings the experience and poise necessary for navigating the high stakes of tournament play, and her veteran presence will be crucial in the Lady Vols’ quest to advance deep into the tournament.
Meanwhile, Kerr, who made the All-SEC second team, has been a key figure in orchestrating Tennessee’s offense. As a setter, her vision and precision in distributing the ball have helped guide her teammates and create scoring opportunities. Kerr’s ability to connect with her hitters, especially in the pressure-filled environment of the NCAA Tournament, will be a focal point for the Lady Vols as they face Georgia Tech.
The Historic 2022 Run: A Legacy of Success
Tennessee’s success in the 2022 NCAA Tournament is still fresh in the minds of fans. The Lady Vols made a historic run last season, earning a No. 3 seed and hosting the opening rounds of the tournament. They defeated High Point and Western Kentucky to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005. Their dream run was halted by a heartbreaking five-set loss to Texas, the eventual national champion. Despite the defeat, the Lady Vols’ performance on the national stage proved that they belonged among the elite programs in the country, solidifying their reputation as a rising powerhouse in college volleyball.
That unforgettable run set the bar high for Tennessee volleyball, and the 2023 season has been an opportunity to build on that success. While the roster is different, the goal remains the same: to compete at the highest level and continue to make waves in the NCAA Tournament.
The Road Ahead: A Tough Path
The Lady Vols’ road to success in this year’s NCAA Tournament won’t be easy. Tennessee will face a formidable opponent in the first round: Georgia Tech, the No. 7 seed. The Yellow Jackets (20-9) are coming off a strong season in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and are known for their physical play and dynamic offensive attack. This matchup promises to be a thrilling one, with both teams bringing high levels of intensity and skill to the court.
The first-round match will take place on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. ET, hosted by No. 2 seed Wisconsin. If Tennessee can get past Georgia Tech, they will face the winner of the Wisconsin vs. Fairfield match in the second round. The Lady Vols would also be up against stiff competition from other teams in their bracket, including the No. 1 seed Nebraska, a perennial powerhouse in NCAA volleyball.
Coach Eve Rackham Watt’s team will need to be sharp and disciplined if they hope to advance. The Lady Vols have demonstrated that they are capable of beating elite competition, but they will have to execute flawlessly to make another deep run. The tournament is a marathon, not a sprint, and Tennessee will need to stay focused and continue to develop their chemistry and execution as the rounds progress.
A Legacy of Excellence
Under Coach Watt’s leadership, Tennessee volleyball has become a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and on the national stage. Her ability to develop talent, foster a winning culture, and manage the demands of a competitive conference has earned her the respect of her peers and the admiration of the Tennessee faithful.
For the Lady Vols, this tournament is not just about winning games – it’s about continuing a legacy of excellence. Whether they advance past the first round or make another run to the Sweet 16, the Tennessee volleyball program has shown that they are a program to watch in the coming years. Their presence in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent that has been cultivated within the program.
As the Lady Vols prepare to take on Georgia Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, their fans are eager to see what this team can accomplish. With a roster filled with talent, resilience, and leadership, Tennessee volleyball is primed for another exciting run. Whether they’re able to pull off an upset and make a deep tournament run or fall short, the Lady Vols have already proven that they are one of the premier teams in college volleyball.
A Bright Future Ahead
Tennessee volleyball’s journey in the 2023 NCAA Tournament is about more than just the immediate results. It’s about continuing to build on a legacy of excellence, developing young talent, and proving that the Lady Vols can stand toe-to-toe with the best teams in the country. As the first round looms, Tennessee fans are hopeful that this year’s squad will carry on the tradition of success and make another deep run.
With Coach Eve Rackham Watt at the helm, the future is bright for Tennessee volleyball. And regardless of the outcome in this year’s NCAA Tournament, the Lady Vols will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
