Season number two of the Kim Caldwell era began with an exhibition matchup against Columbus State at Food City Center, an outing that ended up breaking records.
Things started with a bang, the Lady Vols topping the Cougars 148-48 while scoring an unofficial record for most points scored in a single game, exhibition or not.
The game saw the collegiate debuts of each of the Lady Vols’ five freshmen.
Only six players on the roster this season played or were on the roster a year ago. Names like Talaysia Cooper and Ruby Whitehorn picked up right where they left off.
Whitehorn finished the day tied with three other players for the team lead with 18 points. She joined transfers Nya Robertson, Jersey Wolfenbarger and freshman Mia Pauldo on the spread-out statsheet.
“Ruby’s a great leader,” Pauldo said. “If I feel like I’m doing something wrong, I’m going straight to Ruby. She’s there to pick me up, always, pick all of us up. Ruby’s really great to have on our team.”
Whitehorn shot 8-for-9 from the field over 20 minutes of action, posting an assist and seven rebounds.
A handful of Tennessee’s five freshmen are expected to continue taking big strides as the season progresses. Standouts like Jaida Civil and Deniya Prawl made their presence felt across the court.
Along with the freshmen, the team welcomed three transfers who are all expected to slot into the rotation quickly. Against Columbus State, SMU transfer Robertson and LSU import Wolfenbarger both finished the night with 18 minutes logged.
Robertson showcased her three-point shot, shooting 4-for-8. Wolfenbarger posted eight rebounds, proving to be a critical piece of depth that can ride out the season on the frontcourt beside Zee Spearman.
“I was happy our eight new ones could be in the arena and see the crowd and kind of get the jitters out,” Caldwell said. “So I’m thankful to Columbus State for making the trip and making us better.”
Besides Robertson and Wolfenbarger, Janiah Barker stands as the third and final transfer piece that joined the squad over the offseason. She finished her debut with the Lady Vols with 15 points in 19 minutes, racking up 10 rebounds and four assists.
In her first year in Caldwell’s system, Barker is prepared for the challenge. She hopes to find the role that best suits her on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve been trying to figure out where I would best fit in the press,” Barker said. “I think I was playing in the back a little bit, just trying to read the rotations, but I think just me being able to be up there and use my length, that’s something they enjoy. It’s fun, it’s tiring, but it’s fun.”
One of the most intriguing storylines of the night came from a new face in Mia Pauldo.
She and her sister, Mya Pauldo, arrived on campus this past offseason and immediately made an impact. The growth only continued in the duo’s first real action as they combined for 26 points.
Mia Pauldo finished with an impressive seven assists and no turnovers, a trend that can mean big things for not only her as a player, but for Tennessee.
“I’m not one bit surprised,” Caldwell said. “That’s who she is, that’s why she’s here, with what she’s done every day in practice, and honestly, I think she could have probably shot some more and made some more. She made the right plays, she had seven assists and zero turnovers in her debut, and I think that’s something we could build upon.”
