Tennessee Lady Vols Secure Historic Rivalry Win Against UConn

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Lady Volunteers made a resounding statement on Thursday night by defeating the UConn Huskies 80-76, showcasing the team’s revitalized spirit in their historic rivalry. This thrilling game at the Food City Center attracted a vibrant crowd of 16,215, marking the largest attendance for a women’s basketball event there since February 2012.

Former Lady Vols stars, including Jordan Horston, Isabelle Harrison, Meighan Simmons, and Tamari Key, were present at the game and joined in the post-game celebrations on the court. Horston expressed her admiration for the current Lady Vols squad, particularly highlighting their defensive prowess. “I love defense, and they’re playing defense,” she said. “They’re pressing 94 feet, that’s my type of speed. I feel like she’s doing a great job with the program.”

The game underscored the significance of the rivalry and its impact on fans, with Horston adding, “I’m just thankful that this tradition is still going on and people are still showing up.” Harrison and Simmons, who never got to participate in the rivalry during their college careers, echoed Horston’s sentiments, expressing gratitude toward Coach Kim Caldwell for her leadership of the program—especially since she is the first coach in Tennessee history not to have played for the Lady Vols.

“Seeing the girls and how they’re playing, Coach Caldwell looks like she’s really just instilled a lot of trust and confidence into the girls,” Harrison noted.

The victory against UConn not only ended a 12-year rivalry hiatus but also marked a turning point for the Lady Vols this season. Caldwell emphasized the game’s importance, stating, “It was for the alumni, it was for the fans, it was for every Lady Vol that came before us.”

Following the UConn upset, the Lady Vols faced Auburn, where they secured a dominant 99-61 victory. Jewel Spear led the offense, scoring 17 points, demonstrating the depth and capability of the squad.

After the win, Caldwell reiterated the team’s need to maintain consistency and establish their identity moving forward. “When we played Connecticut, we looked like us,” she remarked. The Lady Vols’ performance against Auburn suggested that they were quickly regaining their competitive edge.

In addition to their on-court success, Caldwell has been pleased with how the team’s overall development is unfolding. Players like Zee Spearman have significantly improved, now averaging 11.3 points per game, a jump from 6.3 last season at Miami, showcasing a newfound confidence on the court.

The Lady Vols continue to prepare for the remainder of the season, focusing on winning and ensuring they are in a favorable position for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.