Postgame/Photos/Stats/Story: #14 Tennessee Breezes By ECU to Cap Perfect Lady Vol Challenge

Postgame/Photos/Stats/Story: #14 Tennessee Breezes By ECU to Cap Perfect Lady Vol Challenge

Posted on April 24, 2022

WATCH: Karen Weekly Postgame | WATCH: Rylie West Postgame | WATCH: McKenna Gibson Postgame | Box Score | Tournament Stats | Updated Season Stats | Photo Gallery

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A day after historic pitching dominated, the bats answered the bell in No. 14 Tennessee’s 9-1 win over ECU to finish out the Lady Vol Challenge 3-0.

Senior outfielder Kiki Milloy led the offensive outburst with three hits, two doubles, two RBIs, two runs and two stolen bases. Milloy’s three-hit outing was her first of the season and first since hosting Missouri at the end of the 2021 regular season. The do-it-all senior also extended her team lead in doubles, stolen bases, RBIs and runs.

Lady Vols Softball / Credit: UT Athletics

The Lady Vols (33-13) roped 12 hits, including six for extra bases, in Sunday’s triumph. Freshman infielder McKenna Gibson and sophomore outfielder Rylie West each mashed two-run homers, while Zaida Puni (2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI) and Kelcy Leach (1-for-3, RBI) both knocked doubles for the Big Orange. Leach’s two-bagger went down as the game-ending hit, driving in Puni to make the score 9-1 and secure the run-rule win in the bottom of the sixth.

Sophomore starting pitcher Bailey McCachren was lifted in the top of the second with no outs and runners on first and second in favor of freshman Nicola Simpson. Simpson utilized the ground ball to work the Lady Vols out of trouble, including a double play from Ivy Davis to Gibson to Ashley Morgan that kept the Pirates at bay and off the scoreboard. Simpson finished the day recording her second career win on two-and-a-third innings of two-hit ball and a single run surrendered.

The Seattle, Washington, native sat down ECU (19-29) in order in the third and the offense repaid her efforts with six runs of support in the bottom of the third. Davis got the onslaught started, ripping a single the other way that turned into a three-bagger when the Pirate right fielder could not handle the hit. Milloy promptly brought Davis home on a ground ball double laced through two ECU fielders, reaching the wall in left center. Puni doubled off the right field wall to trade places with Milloy and double the Tennessee lead to 2-0.

Gibson knocked out ECU’s starting pitcher showing off her opposite field power, bombing home run No. 10 on the season near the top row of the outfield bleachers and once again doubling the Tennessee lead to 4-0 over the Pirates.

West gave the incoming Pirate pitcher a harsh greeting, sending her sixth homer of the season over the recently opened porches in center field for a 6-0 cushion. The bomb was her first homer to leave the park since the series finale against Florida on March 27.

In the fourth inning, it was sophomore pitcher Ryleigh White’s turn to work the Lady Vols out of trouble. Inheriting a similar situation to Simpson in the second, White used similar tactics to stymie the Pirates: letting the defense work. Graduate senior Amanda Ayala recorded her second outfield assist of the season, throwing out a runner at third on a base hit. A lineout back to White would strand two Pirates on base and hold them to a single run in the frame.

The Lady Vols gave ECU some déjà vu in the bottom half of the frame. Milloy led off with her 12th double and Puni brought her in again for her 10th multi-RBI game of the season, bringing the Big Orange lead to 7-1 and just two runs away from run-ruling the Pirates for a second time this weekend.

White cruised over the final two innings of play while Tennnessee added a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth innings to clinch the victory. Milloy put the Lady Vols ahead 8-1 with an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth before Leach doubled to left-center field to end the game 9-1 in the sixth, improving UT’s all-time record against ECU to 4-1 and its season record to 33-13.

UP NEXT: The Lady Vols hit the road to finish up their SEC reprieve for a matchup with the Liberty Flames on Wednesday, April 27. The game will be a rematch from the 2021 NCAA Knoxville Regional. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. from Lynchburg and can be seen on ESPN+.

-UT Athletics

Stats/Story: #1 Vols Make History with 3-0 Blanking of Gators

Stats/Story: #1 Vols Make History with 3-0 Blanking of Gators

Posted on April 24, 2022

Box Score (PDF)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 1/1 Tennessee secured its ninth consecutive SEC road series win with a 3-0 blanking of Florida on Saturday night at Condron Family Ballpark.

With the win, UT improved to 36-3 overall and 16-1 in conference play, tying the best start in SEC history. The only other team to start league play 16-1 was the 1951 Volunteers, who finished as the runner-up at the College World Series. The Vols have also won their last three series against the Gators.

UT Baseball / Credit: UT Athletics

The duo of Blade Tidwell and Camden Sewell were lights out on the mound for the Big Orange, combining to hold the Gators (23-16, 6-11 SEC) to just two hits as UT recorded their seventh shutout of the season.

Making just his third start of the year and his first in SEC play, Tidwell was sharp in 4.2 shutout innings of work. The sophomore right hander allowed just two singles and one walk while striking out five batters on 72 pitches before making way for Sewell out of the bullpen in the fifth inning.

Sewell did not allow a hit over the final 4.1 innings and finished with three strikeouts en route to earning his first save of the year.

Luc Lipcius led the Vols at the dish, reaching base in all four of his plate appearances with a pair of hits and two walks. Lipcius was the only UT player with multiple hits on the night and has drawn five walks in the series while scoring three runs.

Florida starting pitcher Brandon Sproat provided the Gators with a quality start, holding the Vols to just one hit through the first four innings before Lipcius led off the fifth with a solo blast into the bullpen in right field. Cortland Lawson added a double later in the inning but was left stranded on second to end the frame. Sproat was stuck with the loss despite allowing just three runs on five hits in six innings of work.

The Big Orange added to their lead in the sixth with another long ball courtesy of Drew Gilbert, who hammered the first pitch he saw through the wind into the Gator bullpen to put the Vols ahead 3-0. Jordan Beck scored on the play after singling up the middle one batter earlier.

The Vols were held to just one hit by UF’s bullpen over the final three innings, but didn’t need any more insurance thanks to the strong pitching effort from Tidwell and Sewell, paired with some stellar defense.

Tennessee look to record its eighth sweep of the season in Sunday’s series finale. First pitch is set for noon ET and the game will be streamed on SEC Network+ / ESPN app.
 

NOTABLE

TIDWELL SHARP IN FIRST SEC START: Sophomore right-hander Blade Tidwell earned his first win of the season after tossing 4.2 scoreless innings on Saturday evening. The Loretto, Tennessee, native, struck out five and gave up just two singles and one walk in his longest outing of the year.

Tidwell was credited with the win despite not pitching five complete innings since he was on a pitch count, and it was deemed a controlled start prior to the game starting.

GATOR KILLER: Vols’ senior right hander Camden Sewell has carved up the Gators throughout his Tennessee career. In four appearances against Florida, the Cleveland, Tennessee, native, is 1-0 with two saves and has allowed just five hits and one earned run in 14.1 innings pitched. In that span he has 11 strikeouts and has issued only two walks.

In his last outing against UF prior to Saturday night’s contest, Sewell tossed six shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six to lead the Vols to a win in the 2021 SEC Tournament semifinals.

#ROADVOLS: With Saturday’s win, UT recorded its 10th consecutive road series win, with nine of those coming in SEC play. The Vols have not lost a road series since 2019.

-UT Athletics

Stats/Story: Seven-Run Second Inning Leads #1 Vols to Series-Opening Win at Florida

Stats/Story: Seven-Run Second Inning Leads #1 Vols to Series-Opening Win at Florida

Posted on April 23, 2022

Box Score (PDF)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 1/1 Tennessee opened its series at Florida with a convincing 8-2 victory on Friday night at the newly-named Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville.

With the win, the Volunteers (35-3, 15-1 SEC) became only the second team in history to start Southeastern Conference play 15-1, joining UT’s 1951 College World Series team, which started and finished league play at 16-1.

Vols RHP Chase Burns / Credit: UT Athletics

Chase Burns was back to his normal self on Friday night following a couple of disappointing outings the past two weeks. The freshman right hander allowed just two runs (one earned) in 6.1 innings, giving up just two hits and striking out five on the night to earn the win and improve to 7-1 on the year.

Trey Lipscomb, Jordan Beck and Cortland Lawson all had two hits for the Big Orange and combined to drive in six of the team’s eight runs. Lipscomb led the way with three RBIs, courtesy of a three-run blast in second inning.

After threatening in the top of the first but coming up empty, the Vols didn’t miss out on their chances in the second, tagging Gators’ starter Ryan Slater for seven runs on six hits to take a commanding 7-0 lead.
Christian Moore, Lawson and Beck all drove in runs with singles before Lipscomb provided the big blow with a no-doubt three-run homer onto the berm in left field, his 16th home run of the season.

Florida (23-25, 6-10 SEC) was aided by an error to scratch across a run in the third, but Burns was able to limit the damage with a pair of ground outs to end the inning. Tennessee regained its seven-run advantage in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Lawson to make it 8-1.

UF plated its first and only earned run of the night on a leadoff solo home run from Mac Guscette in the bottom of the fifth, cutting its deficit to six.

Flamethrower Ben Joyce tossed 1.2 shutout frames with a pair of strikeouts in relief of Burns. Redmond Walsh made his 92nd career appearance, passing Andy Cox (91) to set a new program record, by retiring the Gators in order to shut the door in the ninth.

Tennessee will look to win the series tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on SEC Network+ / ESPN app.

NOTABLE

ELANDER AS ACTING HC: With Friday’s victory, Tennessee assistant coach Josh Elander improved to 4-0 as acting head coach for the Vols. Elander has served as acting head coach for each of the past three games and also led UT to a 5-3 win over Kentucky on May 6, 2018, as acting head coach.

LIPSCOMB GOES DEEP AGAIN: Senior slugger Trey Lipscomb pulled even with Florida’s Jud Fabian for the SEC lead in home runs, blasting his 17th of the season. Lipscomb also had three RBIs on the night, giving him 60 for the year, which also leads the conference.

-UT Athletics

Stats/Story: Seven-Run Second Inning Leads #1Vols to Series-Opening Win at Florida

Stats/Story: Seven-Run Second Inning Leads #1Vols to Series-Opening Win at Florida

Posted on April 23, 2022

Box Score (PDF)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 1/1 Tennessee opened its series at Florida with a convincing 8-2 victory on Friday night at the newly-named Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville.

With the win, the Volunteers (35-3, 15-1 SEC) became only the second team in history to start Southeastern Conference play 15-1, joining UT’s 1951 College World Series team, which started and finished league play at 16-1.

Vols RHP Chase Burns / Credit: UT Athletics

Chase Burns was back to his normal self on Friday night following a couple of disappointing outings the past two weeks. The freshman right hander allowed just two runs (one earned) in 6.1 innings, giving up just two hits and striking out five on the night to earn the win and improve to 7-1 on the year.

Trey Lipscomb, Jordan Beck and Cortland Lawson all had two hits for the Big Orange and combined to drive in six of the team’s eight runs. Lipscomb led the way with three RBIs, courtesy of a three-run blast in second inning.

After threatening in the top of the first but coming up empty, the Vols didn’t miss out on their chances in the second, tagging Gators’ starter Ryan Slater for seven runs on six hits to take a commanding 7-0 lead.
Christian Moore, Lawson and Beck all drove in runs with singles before Lipscomb provided the big blow with a no-doubt three-run homer onto the berm in left field, his 16th home run of the season.

Florida (23-25, 6-10 SEC) was aided by an error to scratch across a run in the third, but Burns was able to limit the damage with a pair of ground outs to end the inning. Tennessee regained its seven-run advantage in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Lawson to make it 8-1.

UF plated its first and only earned run of the night on a leadoff solo home run from Mac Guscette in the bottom of the fifth, cutting its deficit to six.

Flamethrower Ben Joyce tossed 1.2 shutout frames with a pair of strikeouts in relief of Burns. Redmond Walsh made his 92nd career appearance, passing Andy Cox (91) to set a new program record, by retiring the Gators in order to shut the door in the ninth.

Tennessee will look to win the series tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on SEC Network+ / ESPN app.

NOTABLE

ELANDER AS ACTING HC: With Friday’s victory, Tennessee assistant coach Josh Elander improved to 4-0 as acting head coach for the Vols. Elander has served as acting head coach for each of the past three games and also led UT to a 5-3 win over Kentucky on May 6, 2018, as acting head coach.

LIPSCOMB GOES DEEP AGAIN: Senior slugger Trey Lipscomb pulled even with Florida’s Jud Fabian for the SEC lead in home runs, blasting his 17th of the season. Lipscomb also had three RBIs on the night, giving him 60 for the year, which also leads the conference.

-UT Athletics

Grad Transfer Franklin Reunites With Harpers

Grad Transfer Franklin Reunites With Harpers

Posted on April 23, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Kellie Harper confirmed Friday that she has received an SEC Grant-in-Aid (GIA) and Institutional Financial Aid Agreement (IFAA) from decorated graduate transfer Jasmine Franklin from Missouri State University.
 
Franklin, an explosive 6-foot-1 forward from Fayetteville, Ark., signed with Harper out of high school when Harper and husband Jon were coaching at MSU. Franklin was a freshman contributor for the Bears’ 2019 NCAA Sweet 16 run that ultimately led to the Harpers being hired at Rocky Top.

Jasmine Franklin / Credit: UT Athletics

“I’m so excited to bring Jasmine Franklin into the Lady Vol family,” Harper said. “Jasmine, who has a fun-loving but very competitive personality, can score in the paint, knock down an open jumper and put the ball on the floor for drives. Her athleticism and high motor enable her to be a tremendous rebounder and defender.”
 
A two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference First-Team selection and the 2021 MVC Defensive Player of the Year, Franklin averaged 11.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 assists while starting 99 of 102 games for Missouri State. The seven-time MVC Player of the Week shot 53.1 percentage from the field and 68.0 percent from the free-throw line during her time in Springfield and produced 1,122 points and 913 rebounds.
 
In 2021-22, Franklin led Missouri State at 14.0 points and 12.1 rebounds per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 76 percent on free throws. Against five Power 5 opponents, including LSU, Virginia Tech, USC, Missouri and Oklahoma State, she put up 15.6 ppg., 14.0 rpg., 2.4 spg. and 1.6 bpg. and shot 49.2 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line. She only played in 11 contests, however, before suffering a season-ending knee injury on Dec. 21. Still, she ended her abbreviated year with seven double-doubles and nine games with double-figure rebound totals.
 
As a junior, Franklin was named MVC Defensive Player of the Year while landing spots on the All-MVC First Team and MVC All-Defensive Team for a second consecutive season. She averaged 11.8 points and a league-high 9.7 rebounds per game, shooting 47.7 percent overall and 69.9 percent at the foul line. The MSU standout scored in double figures 17 times with 13 double-figure rebound efforts and 10 double-doubles.
 
As a sophomore, Franklin was an All-MVC First Team pick. She topped the league at 8.7 rebounds per game to go along with 10.9 points per contest. She shot a career-high 56.3 percent from the field and 72.8 percent from the charity stripe. Franklin ended the season ranked fourth in MSU career history in rebound average, fifth in field goal percentage, fifth in double-figure rebound games (22), sixth in blocked shots (81) and seventh in double-doubles (15)
 
Franklin posted one of the best rookie seasons in Missouri State history en route to MVC All-Freshman Team and Honorable Mention All-MVC accolades. She averaged 9.2 points and 7.6 rebounds with 33 starts in 35 games. She set MSU freshman records with 46 blocks and 267 rebounds, ranking 5th and 8th, respectively, overall in those categories for a single season. She also shared the team lead with 54 steals, becoming the first player in school history with 40 blocks and 40 steals in a season.
 
Franklin joins three other scholarship newcomers to the program and is the third transfer addition. Harper previously confirmed the signing of a pair of all-conference performers in 6-2 forward Rickea (ruh-KEE-yuh) Jackson from Mississippi State and 5-6 point guard Jasmine Powell from Minnesota via the portal on March 30. Justine Pissott (pih-SOTT), a 6-4 guard/forward from Toms River, N.J., who is the No. 11 overall player in the class of 2022 according to espnW HoopGurlz, signed with Tennessee in November of 2021 after committing to Harper in October of 2020. 

-UT Athletics

Softball Preview: Lady Vol Challenge

Softball Preview: Lady Vol Challenge

Posted on April 23, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 14th-ranked Tennessee softball team wraps up a seven-game homestand this weekend, welcoming East Carolina and UNC Greensboro for a two-day tournament dubbed the Lady Vol Challenge. The action runs Saturday to Sunday with five games taking place at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
 
The Lady Vols open the event with a doubleheader on Saturday, taking on ECU at approximately 1:30 p.m. before playing host to UNCG at 4:00. Tennessee rounds out the home tournament with a second matchup against the Pirates on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for approximately 1 p.m.

Lady Vols Softball / Credit: UT Athletics

Limited tickets are available at AllVols.com and can also be purchased at the Sherri Parker Lee ticket office when gates open to the public one hour prior to first pitch of the first game on both days. Parking is free for all games in lots S14 and C25 adjacent to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and Regal Soccer Stadium, and fans should note that Tennessee Athletics’ clear bag policy will be in effect.
 
Fans are encouraged to visit the Tennessee softball gameday information page before making their way to Sherri Parker Lee to familiarize themselves with gameday policies and procedures.
 
WEEKEND SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols, Pirates and Spartans will take part in a two-day, five-game event in Knoxville with three games on Saturday and two on Sunday.
 
Saturday, April 23

  • 11 a.m. – UNCG vs. ECU
  • 1:30 p.m. – Tennessee vs. ECU
  • 4 p.m. – Tennessee vs. UNCG

Sunday, April 24

  • 10:30 a.m. – ECU vs. UNCG
  • 1 p.m. – Tennessee vs. ECU

BROADCAST INFO: All three of Tennessee’s games will be broadcasted online via SEC Network+, available at ESPN.com/watch and the ESPN app, with Michael Wottreng (play-by-play) and Jill Jelnick (analyst) on the call. Additionally, an audio broadcast for UT’s matchups will air on UTSports.com and be available for local listening on FM 99.1/AM 990 in Knoxville.
 
LAST TIME OUT: The Lady Vols took on No. 3 Virginia Tech in the midweek, falling 5-2 to the Hokies on Wednesday at Sherri Parker Lee. Erin Edmoundson and Ashley Rogers combined for a season-high tying 11 strikeouts on the night, while Kiki Milloy had a two-hit outing that included and RBI double and a stolen base.
 
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Super senior shortstop Ivy Davis took home SEC Co-Player of the Week honors on Tuesday after hitting .714 in UT’s four wins last week. Davis went 5-for-7 at the plate between the four contests, slugging 1.714 with one double, two homers and seven RBIs.
 
BENDER ENDOWED: Tennessee redshirt senior Samantha Bender was awarded the NCAA Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarship, the organization revealed earlier this week. A kinesiology major set to graduate in May, Bender is one of 13 female college graduates across all NCAA institutions to receive the scholarship.
 
NOTING THE FIELD: ECU and UNCG embark on Knoxville at polarizing positions in their league standings. The Pirates are tied for sixth in the seven-member American Athletic Conference, while the Spartans sit atop the Southern Conference ledger with an unblemished 12-0 record in league play.
 
East Carolina (19-25, 2-10 AAC)

  • Head Coach: Shane Winkler (1st Season)
  • Series Record: Tennessee leads 2-1
  • Last Meeting: An 8-1 victory for the Lady Vols at the Triangle Classic in Raleigh, N.C.
  • Key Stat: ECU leads the AAC and ranks tied with the Lady Vols for 33rd nationally with 60 doubles on the season

UNC Greensboro (31-12, 12-0 SoCon)

  • Head Coach: Janelle Breneman (10th Season)
  • Series Record: Tennessee lead 5-0
  • Last Meeting: A 4-0 triumph for the Lady Vols on opening day of the 2022 season in Miami. Ashley Rogers dealt a complete-game, one-hit shutout for the Lady Vols with nine strikeouts in the winning effort.
  • Key Player/Stat: The Spartans rank second nationally with 84 home runs this season, led by graduate OF Jordan Gontram who tops the SoCon with 14 round trippers

UP NEXT: UT begins a four-game road swing next week with a trip to Liberty on Wednesday. UT’s final midweek matchup of the season will be broadcasted on ESPN+, and first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

-UT Athletics

Softball Preview: Lady Vol Challenge

Softball Preview: Lady Vol Challenge

Posted on April 23, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 14th-ranked Tennessee softball team wraps up a seven-game homestand this weekend, welcoming East Carolina and UNC Greensboro for a two-day tournament dubbed the Lady Vol Challenge. The action runs Saturday to Sunday with five games taking place at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
 
The Lady Vols open the event with a doubleheader on Saturday, taking on ECU at approximately 1:30 p.m. before playing host to UNCG at 4:00. Tennessee rounds out the home tournament with a second matchup against the Pirates on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for approximately 1 p.m.

Lady Vols Softball / Credit: UT Athletics

Limited tickets are available at AllVols.com and can also be purchased at the Sherri Parker Lee ticket office when gates open to the public one hour prior to first pitch of the first game on both days. Parking is free for all games in lots S14 and C25 adjacent to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and Regal Soccer Stadium, and fans should note that Tennessee Athletics’ clear bag policy will be in effect.
 
Fans are encouraged to visit the Tennessee softball gameday information page before making their way to Sherri Parker Lee to familiarize themselves with gameday policies and procedures.
 
WEEKEND SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols, Pirates and Spartans will take part in a two-day, five-game event in Knoxville with three games on Saturday and two on Sunday.
 
Saturday, April 23

  • 11 a.m. – UNCG vs. ECU
  • 1:30 p.m. – Tennessee vs. ECU
  • 4 p.m. – Tennessee vs. UNCG

Sunday, April 24

  • 10:30 a.m. – ECU vs. UNCG
  • 1 p.m. – Tennessee vs. ECU

BROADCAST INFO: All three of Tennessee’s games will be broadcasted online via SEC Network+, available at ESPN.com/watch and the ESPN app, with Michael Wottreng (play-by-play) and Jill Jelnick (analyst) on the call. Additionally, an audio broadcast for UT’s matchups will air on UTSports.com and be available for local listening on FM 99.1/AM 990 in Knoxville.
 
LAST TIME OUT: The Lady Vols took on No. 3 Virginia Tech in the midweek, falling 5-2 to the Hokies on Wednesday at Sherri Parker Lee. Erin Edmoundson and Ashley Rogers combined for a season-high tying 11 strikeouts on the night, while Kiki Milloy had a two-hit outing that included and RBI double and a stolen base.
 
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Super senior shortstop Ivy Davis took home SEC Co-Player of the Week honors on Tuesday after hitting .714 in UT’s four wins last week. Davis went 5-for-7 at the plate between the four contests, slugging 1.714 with one double, two homers and seven RBIs.
 
BENDER ENDOWED: Tennessee redshirt senior Samantha Bender was awarded the NCAA Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarship, the organization revealed earlier this week. A kinesiology major set to graduate in May, Bender is one of 13 female college graduates across all NCAA institutions to receive the scholarship.
 
NOTING THE FIELD: ECU and UNCG embark on Knoxville at polarizing positions in their league standings. The Pirates are tied for sixth in the seven-member American Athletic Conference, while the Spartans sit atop the Southern Conference ledger with an unblemished 12-0 record in league play.
 
East Carolina (19-25, 2-10 AAC)

  • Head Coach: Shane Winkler (1st Season)
  • Series Record: Tennessee leads 2-1
  • Last Meeting: An 8-1 victory for the Lady Vols at the Triangle Classic in Raleigh, N.C.
  • Key Stat: ECU leads the AAC and ranks tied with the Lady Vols for 33rd nationally with 60 doubles on the season

UNC Greensboro (31-12, 12-0 SoCon)

  • Head Coach: Janelle Breneman (10th Season)
  • Series Record: Tennessee lead 5-0
  • Last Meeting: A 4-0 triumph for the Lady Vols on opening day of the 2022 season in Miami. Ashley Rogers dealt a complete-game, one-hit shutout for the Lady Vols with nine strikeouts in the winning effort.
  • Key Player/Stat: The Spartans rank second nationally with 84 home runs this season, led by graduate OF Jordan Gontram who tops the SoCon with 14 round trippers

UP NEXT: UT begins a four-game road swing next week with a trip to Liberty on Wednesday. UT’s final midweek matchup of the season will be broadcasted on ESPN+, and first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

-UT Athletics

Baseball Preview: #1 Vols Set for Battle with Gators in the Swamp

Baseball Preview: #1 Vols Set for Battle with Gators in the Swamp

Posted on April 23, 2022

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After two straight home series, No. 1/1 Tennessee hits the road this weekend to take on Florida down in Gainesville. 

The Vols enter this weekend’s series having won three straight games following a series win over Alabama and a midweek victory against Bellarmine.

Vols OF Drew Gilbert / Credit: UT Athletics

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for this weekend’s series in Gainesville can be purchased through the University of Florida by clicking HERE.

BROADCAST INFO

This weekend’s series will be streamed live digitally on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app. Mick Hubert (PxP) and Nick Belmonte (analyst) will have the call for all three contests. The online broadcasts can be accessed on any mobile device through WatchESPN. WatchESPN can be accessed through the ESPN App, or online at espn.com/watch.

Fans can also listen to the Voice of Tennessee Baseball John Wilkerson call the games on the Vol Network (FM 99.1/AM 990) as well as UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE/PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS

Game 1 – Friday, April 22 (6:30 p.m.)
RHP Chase Burns (6-1, 2.22 ERA) vs. RHP Ryan Slater (2-1, 3.52 ERA)

Game 2 – Saturday, April 23 (6:30 p.m.)
TBD vs. RHP Brandon Sproat (4-3, 4.91 ERA)

Game 3 – Sunday, April 24 (12 p.m.)
RHP Drew Beam (8-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. RHP Brandon Neely (1-0, 4.30 ERA)

SERIES HISTORY

Overall: Florida leads, 154-90
in Knoxville: Florida leads, 67-48
in Gainesville: Florida leads, 83-41
at Neutral Sites: Florida leads, 4-1
Last 10 Meetings: Tennessee leads, 6-4
Last Meeting: W, 4-0 (5/29/21 in Hoover, Ala.)

Tennessee will look to win its third consecutive series against Florida. The Vols and Gators played four times in 2021 with UT coming away victorious three times, including a 4-0 shutout win in the SEC Tournament semifinals. The Big Orange are 6-4 against UF since Tony Vitello took over as head coach in 2018.

NOTABLE

Thriving on the Road
Tennessee was one of the best road teams in the country last season and has been just as dominant away from home so far this year. UT is a perfect 6-0 in true road games this year with series sweeps over then No. 1 Ole Miss (3/25-27) and then No. 3 Vanderbilt (4/1-3). The Vols outscored the Commodores, 16-4, and the Rebels, 26-7.
 
UT’s series win at Vanderbilt was its eighth consecutive SEC road series win and ninth straight road series win overall, dating back to 2019. The Big Orange won all five of their conference series away from home last season after winning its final road series in 2019 at Florida. (No SEC games in 2020 – COVID-19)
 
Ortega Named SEC Player of the Week
UT second baseman Jorel Ortega was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week after ranking among the league leaders in a handful of offensive categories. Ortega led the SEC with a .563 batting average for the week and also tied for the league lead with nine hits, recording at least one base knock in all four games played and three multi-hit performances. He also tied for second in the SEC with six runs scored last week, scoring at least once in every game. His 17 total bases ranked third in the conference, as well.
 
Ortega is the second Vols to earn SEC Player of the Week honors this season, joining fellow infielder Trey Lipscomb. For more info on Ortega’s weekly honor, click HERE.
 
Vols Continue to Make SEC History
With last Sunday’s win over Alabama, the Vols improved to 14-1 in SEC play and won their fifth straight series against conference foes this year. Tennessee joined elite company with its 14-1 SEC start, becoming just the sixth team all time to achieve that feat and the first since Vanderbilt in 2013. UT was actually the first program to reach that mark, doing so in 1951. That squad was the only one ever to start 16-1 in SEC play.
 
Lipscomb Putting Up Monster Numbers
Senior third baseman Trey Lipscomb has put together a breakout season and ranks among the nation’s top hitters this year. After homering twice and driving in five runs in Sunday’s win over the Crimson Tide, Lipscomb now ranks third in the nation with 57 RBIs and sixth nationally with 15 long balls. Lipscomb also leads the SEC in total bases (111) and has driven in at least five runs in three different games this season, while no other Vol has done so more than once.
 
Vols Cleaning Crew 
Tennessee recorded its seventh series sweep this season after taking care of business against Missouri two weekends ago. UT’s seven series sweeps are tied for the most in a single season in program history (7 in 1994).
 
Not including tournaments, the Vols have recorded 19 series sweeps since 2018 when Tony Vitello took over as head coach.
 
Series Sweeps by Year Under Vitello
2022: 7 | 2021: 5 | 2020: 2 | 2019: 3 | 2018: 2

OPPONENT SCOUT

Florida Gators

  • Record: 23-14 (6-9 SEC)
  • 2021 Postseason: NCAA Gainesville Regional
  • 2022 SEC Preseason Poll: 2nd in East
  • Head Coach: Kevin O’Sullivan (15th year)
  • Preseason Conference Honors:
    • OF Jud Fabian (1st Team)
    • SP Hunter Barco (1st Team)
  • Stat Leaders:
    • Batting Avg: Wyatt Langford (.348)
    • Runs: Jud Fabian (42)
    • Hits: Wyatt Langford (49)
    • Home Runs: Jud Fabian (16)
    • RBI: Wyatt Langford (42)
    • Stolen Bases: Wyatt Langford (5)
    • Wins: Hunter Barco (5)
    • Saves: Blake Purnell (4)
    • ERA (min. 15 IP): Blake Purnell (1.62)
    • WHIP (min. 15 IP): Hunter Barco (0.89)
    • Innings Pitched: Hunter Barco (50.1)
    • Strikeouts: Hunter Barco (69)

ON DECK

The Vols return to Knoxville for a five-game homestand starting with a midweek matchup against Xavier on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m.

-UT Athletics

Thompson Square Passes Down Helping the Earth to their Son’s Soul

Thompson Square Passes Down Helping the Earth to their Son’s Soul

Posted on April 22, 2022

Thompson Square are not only a hit music making duo – they are also parents to their son Cooper.

Keifer and Shawna Thompson shared a video on Earth Day 2022 of their little man doing his part.

Cooper has saving the Earth in his soul.

Thompson Square’s new single is “Country In Your Soul” – check it out here…

Photos Courtesy of Thompson Square

Old Dominion Surprised Fans with a Thursday Night Pop-Up Show in Tampa

Old Dominion Surprised Fans with a Thursday Night Pop-Up Show in Tampa

Posted on April 22, 2022

Fans in Tampa got a surprise Thursday night when Old Dominion threw a pop-up show at a local bar.

Through social media the guys got the word out with a video and the hashtag ODPopUp…

Old Dominion is in Tampa for Saturday night’s Here And Now 2022 tour show with Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay and Carly Pearce.

But Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi, and Whit Sellers couldn’t wait until the weekend to get the party started so they surprised everyone with a pop-up show at Crowbar.

Of course when you have a surprise pop-up show, you need a surprise guest at the pop-up too!

Kenny Chesney and Old Dominion got the Here And Now 2022 tour pre-party started in style.

So, now you know…if the Here And Now 2022 tour is headed your way, watch Old Dominion’s socials for that #ODPopUp.

And how do you know if they are coming near you? Check out the schedule here…which also includes Kenny’s amphitheater dates with Carly.

April 23           Tampa, Fla.  ||  Raymond James Stadium
April 30           Charlotte, N.C. ||  Bank of America Stadium
May 5*            Noblesville, Ind.  ||  Ruoff Music Center
May 7              St. Louis, Mo.  ||  Busch Stadium
May 14            Milwaukee, Wis. ||  American Family Field
May 19*          Orange Beach, Ala. ||  The Wharf Amphitheater
May 21            Atlanta, Ga. ||  Mercedes-Benz Stadium
May 25*          Charleston, S.C.  ||  Credit One Stadium
May 26*          Huntsville, Ala.  ||  Orion Amphitheater
May 28            Nashville, Tenn.  ||  Nissan Stadium
June 2*            The Woodlands, Texas  ||  Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
June 4              Arlington, Texas  ||  AT&T Stadium
June 8*            Canandaigua, N.Y.  ||  CMAC
June 9*            Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio  ||  Blossom Music Center
June 11            Pittsburgh, Pa.  ||  Heinz Field
June 15*          Virginia Beach, Va.  ||  Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
June 16*          Bristow, Va.  ||  Jiffy Lube Live
June 18            Philadelphia, Pa.  ||  Lincoln Financial Field
June 23*/**     Cincinnati, Ohio  ||  Riverbend Music Center
June 25            Chicago, Ill. ||  Soldier Field
June 29*          Brandon, Miss.  ||  Brandon Amphitheater
June 30*          Rogers, Ark.  ||  Walmart AMP
July 2              Kansas City, Mo.  ||  GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
July 9              Bozeman, Mont.  ||  Bobcat Stadium
July 12*          Stateline, Nev.  ||  Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s
July 13 *          Stateline, Nev.  ||  Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s
July 16            Seattle, Wash.  ||  Lumen Field
July 19 *          Bend, Ore.  ||  Hayden Homes Amphitheater
July 20 *          Bend, Ore.  ||  Hayden Homes Amphitheater
July 23            Inglewood, Calif.  ||  SoFi Stadium
July 27 *          Boise, Idaho.  ||  Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
July 28 *          Salt Lake City, Utah  ||  USANA Amphitheatre
July 30            Denver, Colo.  ||  Empower Field at Mile High
August 6         Minneapolis, Minn.  ||  U.S. Bank Stadium
August 10*     Columbia, Md.  ||  Merriweather Post Pavilion
August 11*     Syracuse, N.Y.  ||  St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
August 13       East Rutherford, N.J.  ||  MetLife Stadium
August 18       Columbus, Ohio  ||  Historic Crew Stadium
August 20       Detroit, Mich.  ||  Ford Field
August 26       Foxborough, Mass.  ||  Gillette Stadium
August 27       Foxborough, Mass.  ||  Gillette Stadium
* lineup for these dates is Kenny Chesney and Carly Pearce only

Old Dominion’s current single at country radio – and one that fans will be seeing the band play live – is “No Hard Feelings.”

Photo Courtesy of Old Dominion and Kenny Chesney

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