University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Alabama
Volleyball Preview: Alabama
November 17, 2021 | Volleyball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Playing its final regular-season matches at home, the Tennessee volleyball team prepares to host Alabama Thursday and Friday at Thompson-Boling Arena. First serve for both matches is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
For fans planning to attend, note that Tennessee's clear-bag policy will be in effect again this season.
Though not required for entry to Thompson-Boling Arena or movement throughout the seating bowl, facial coverings are encouraged for arena patrons. For a full outline of match-day arena policies, click HERE.
BROADCAST INFO
Both matches are available to stream on SECN+ or through the ESPN app. Andy Brock (play-by-play) and former Lady Vol Heather Herrington (color) will call the action Thursday and Friday. Live stats are provided for fans unable to make it to the arena or watch on TV and can be found by visiting the volleyball schedule page on UTsports.com.
LAST TIME OUT
Tennessee returns from a two-match series at Mississippi State that saw the Lady Vols fall in four sets in the series opener and drop a five-set battle in the second match.
SPECIAL WEEKEND
The Lady Vols have a special weekend on tap as they play host to Alabama. On Thursday night, UT will welcome home its alumni as it hosts an alumni weekend. Alumni in attendance Thursday night will be recognized on the court between the first and second sets.
Friday night is senior night for the Lady Vols as Tennessee will honor its eight seniors before the match. Ava Bell, Lily Felts, Natalie Hayward, Danielle Mahaffey, Giana Pellizzon, Raquel Perinar, Breana Runnels and Nicole Shanahan will be the seniors recognized before first serve.
A GOOD GROUP OF SENIORS
The 2021 class of seniors is the first to be coached by Eve Rackham Watt in all four seasons. The group began in 2018 with Felts, Mahaffey, Pellizzon and Perinar and has grown to include Bell in 2019, Hayward in 2020 and Runnels and Shanahan this season as graduate transfers.
The group has helped lead the Lady Vols to a 70-33 mark over the past four seasons and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2018, with their sights set on another NCAA Tournament appearance this season.
STRETCH RUN
The Lady Vols are in the home stretch as they close out the regular season with two matches against Alabama and one match against Missouri. UT plays at Mizzou on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
NCAA DREAMIN'
At No. 17 in the latest RPI ranking, Tennessee is positioned well to make its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2018. Aiding the Lady Vols cause is a strong strength of schedule which has seen UT play Pittsburgh (No. 2 RPI), Baylor (No. 3 RPI), Kentucky (No. 7 RPI) and Purdue (No. 8 RPI) this season.
Tennessee defeated No. 9 Baylor at home in five sets on Sept. 3.
SCOUTING ALABAMA
2021 Record: 10-16 (2-12 SEC)
Series Record: Tennessee leads, 39-19
Last Meeting: March 20, 2021 – A four-set win for the Lady Vols.
Key Player/Stat: Alabama enters the weekend on a six-match skid, which includes losses to South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi State and Arkansas. The Tide are 3-7 on the road this season.
Abby Marjama leads the attack with 2.83 kills per set, while Brooke Slusser has been the main setter this season with 6.33 assists per set. Emily Janek has rotated in at setter throughout the year and averages 5.71 assists per set.
UP NEXT
Tennessee closes out the regular season on the road as it travels to Columbia, Missouri, for a Nov. 24 showdown against the Tigers.
