It’s another busy week for Tennessee athletics as multiple teams head into the postseason. Basketball hosts Alabama on Saturday for the game of the week.
Here’s a look ahead.
Feb. 26: Softball vs. Radford
The Lady Vols start the week at home, hosting the Radford Highlanders. Tennessee (13-3) has been inconsistent on offense this season, losing two of its three games while allowing less than four runs. The Highlanders (6-8) will be a good chance for the Lady Vols to stay hot, as they have scored nine or more runs in three of their last four outings.
The Lady Vols are 7-0 against Radford, with the last outing ending 8-2 in 2012.
Feb. 27: Track and field at SEC Indoor Championships
Tennessee will get a chance to compete at the SEC Indoor Championships, which will take place from Feb. 27 to March 1 in College Station, Texas. Although both teams have been impressive this season, the Lady Vols are ranked No. 16 in the nation by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association and No. 10 in the SEC. The Vols are unranked nationally but are No. 8 in the SEC.
Feb. 27: Women’s basketball at Kentucky
The Lady Vols will head to Lexington to face the Wildcats for a top-15 matchup. Tennessee (21-6, 8-6 SEC) has been on fire lately, winning its last four matchups and six of its last seven. Those wins have been reflected in the rankings, as the Lady Vols come ranked No. 11.
The Lady Vols are looking to make their win streak five in a row over the Wildcats with a win. However, Kentucky wants to fight back in the series, as they’ve only won 16 of the 77 games all time.
Feb. 28: Softball vs Delaware State and Indiana State
Tennessee continues its homestand with a doubleheader on Friday afternoon. The Lady Vols host the Hornets (3-2) and the Sycamores (3-10) for two easy games before SEC play begins next week.
This will be the first matchup between the Lady Vols and the Hornets. Tennessee has some history with the Sycamores, winning two games against them in 2015 to claim the series lead 2-1.
Feb. 28: Women’s tennis at Ole Miss
The Lady Vols head to Oxford, Mississippi, to take on the Rebels. Tennessee (7-1, 1-0 SEC) has been great so far this season, claiming three top-15 victories this season. The Rebels (7-3, 0-1) have been solid this season, but are 0-2 against ranked teams this year. In their last outing, they lost 5-2 against No. 8 LSU on the road.
The Lady Vols are 30-21 against Ole Miss, winning the last six matches dating to 2019.
Feb. 28: Baseball at Astros Foundation College Classic
The Vols head to Houston, Texas, to take part in the Astros Foundation College Classic. This three-day tournament will pit Tennessee against Oklahoma State, Rice and Arizona. The Vols will have to wait for a ranked opponent after Oklahoma State and Arizona have both dropped out.
Feb. 28: Men’s tennis at Oklahoma
The Vols hit the road for their first SEC road game of the year. Tennessee (9-3, 0-1 SEC) had a rough outing against Mississippi State last week, losing 4-3 in a matchup that felt worse than the scoreboard. They’ll have a shot at redemption against the Sooners (7-2) who have been solid but nothing special this season.
This will be the first meeting between these two teams.
Mar. 1: Swim and dive vs Kentucky and Virginia Tech
Swim and dive will see its last regular season action in this meet as the team prepares for the NCAA Swim and Dive Championships in March.
Mar. 1: Softball vs. UT Martin and Tennessee Invitational
Tennessee rounds out its busy week with UT Martin. The Skyhawks (4-6) have struggled this year, losing all their last three games. This matchup isn’t a prime opportunity for UT Martin either, as the Lady Vols have won all three matchups against each other.
The Lady Vols will host the Tennessee Invitational directly after and will also play a game on Saturday afternoon.
Mar. 1: Soccer at North Carolina
The Lady Vols kick off their spring slate in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, against the Tar Heels. They finished 9-7-4 last season, losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This year, they return eight starters, as well as five new faces on the field. This will be the first of six exhibition games the Lady Vols play.
Mar. 1: Men’s basketball vs. Alabama
The Vols host Alabama as the regular season winds down. Tennessee (22-5, 9-5 SEC) is ranked No. 5 after a win against Texas A&M. No. 6 Alabama (22-5, 11-3) will pose a big challenge to the Vols, though they have lost two of their last three games. This is a crucial game for both teams and may have massive implications for seeding in the postseason
Alabama currently holds the series lead, 82-73. The last six games have been split, with the Crimson Tide winning the first three and the Vols winning the next three heading into this matchup.
Mar. 2: Men’s golf at Cabo Collegiate
The Vols head to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to take part in the Cabo Collegiate Tournament from March 2 to March 4.
Mar. 2: Women’s basketball vs. Georgia
The Lady Vols play their last regular season game at home, and it will be senior day. This will be an impactful game, senior day aside. Tennessee is 8-6 in SEC play, and a late win would certainly help for postseason seeding. However, the Bulldogs (10-17, 2-11 SEC) would love nothing more than to spoil Tennessee’s day.
The Lady Vols are 55-19 against the Bulldogs and have won the last three games. Though Tennessee has typically dominated, it is just 6-4 in the last 10 meetings.
Mar. 2: Men’s tennis at Arkansas
The Vols head to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for another SEC showdown. The Razorbacks (11-3, 1-0 SEC) come into this match as an underdog, but they have posted multiple good wins this season.
Mar. 2: Women’s tennis at LSU
The Lady Vols finish their road trip in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for a top-10 matchup. The LSU Tigers (9-1, 1-0 SEC) look vicious this season, claiming wins over No. 6 UCLA and No. 3 Oklahoma State. The Lady Vols have an impressive résumé as well, making this an intense matchup between two great teams.
Tennessee leads the series 31-19 and has won the last five meetings.
Mar. 4: Baseball vs. Radford
The Vols return home after their trip to Houston, Texas, to face the Highlanders. Radford (2-5) shouldn’t be a fight for Tennessee. Expect a quick game that will be over long before the run-rule applies as the Vols make the series 7-0 in their favor.
Mar. 5: Baseball vs. Xavier
Tennessee will host Xavier on Wednesday afternoon. The Musketeers (4-3) are certainly a step up from Radford but don’t expect much of a battle between them and the Vols.
Tennessee is 7-1 against the Musketeers, winning the last seven since 1965.
Mar. 5: Men’s basketball at Ole Miss
The Vols take to the road one last time, heading to Oxford, Mississippi, to face Ole Miss. The Rebels are 19-8 and 8-6 in SEC play this year, so this won’t be the tallest task for the Vols. However, they can’t overlook Ole Miss as a loss here could cost them down the road.
Tennessee is 79-45 against the Rebels and has won the last four meetings.