LEXINGTON, Ky. – Enjoying one of the best seasons in program history, the Tennessee Lady Vols achieved a major milestone Monday, cracking into the top 10 of the AVCA rankings at No. 10 in the country.
The last time the Big Orange accomplished that feat was in the final poll of the 2005 campaign, which saw the Lady Vols finish sixth overall following a Final Four run. The Big Orange currently boasts a 15-1 record—its best start since beginning 18-1 in 2004. The Lady Vols are a perfect 6-0 in conference play so far, with the program’s best start ever in league play being 8-0 in 2004 and 2011.
UT’s dominance has been on full display through the midway point of the season, sweeping foes in 12 of their 15 victories, including five against SEC opponents and two against ranked teams. Tennessee is riding a 10-match winning streak, losing just two sets during the run. The Big Orange has won 28 of its last 29 sets played.
The Lady Vols’ success this season has been a direct result of the team’s high-powered offense, which is one of the best in the nation. UT currently ranks inside the top 10 in the country in four different categories—highlighted by an NCAA-leading 14.89 kills per set. Tennessee is third nationally in assists per set (13.64) as well as hitting percentage (.318)—both of which lead the SEC. The team is eighth overall and second in the league in aces per set (2.11). As it stands, all four of those categories would be new Tennessee records during the 25-point rally scoring era.
Up next, Tennessee continues its homestretch with a pair of top-25 matches at Food City Center next weekend. The Lady Vols kick things off Friday against No. 22 Auburn at 6:30 p.m. UT then hosts the No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats on Sunday for a 5 p.m. first serve. Tickets are available for both contests at AllVols.com.
The last time the Big Orange accomplished that feat was in the final poll of the 2005 campaign, which saw the Lady Vols finish sixth overall following a Final Four run. The Big Orange currently boasts a 15-1 record—its best start since beginning 18-1 in 2004. The Lady Vols are a perfect 6-0 in conference play so far, with the program’s best start ever in league play being 8-0 in 2004 and 2011.
UT’s dominance has been on full display through the midway point of the season, sweeping foes in 12 of their 15 victories, including five against SEC opponents and two against ranked teams. Tennessee is riding a 10-match winning streak, losing just two sets during the run. The Big Orange has won 28 of its last 29 sets played.
The Lady Vols’ success this season has been a direct result of the team’s high-powered offense, which is one of the best in the nation. UT currently ranks inside the top 10 in the country in four different categories—highlighted by an NCAA-leading 14.89 kills per set. Tennessee is third nationally in assists per set (13.64) as well as hitting percentage (.318)—both of which lead the SEC. The team is eighth overall and second in the league in aces per set (2.11). As it stands, all four of those categories would be new Tennessee records during the 25-point rally scoring era.
Up next, Tennessee continues its homestretch with a pair of top-25 matches at Food City Center next weekend. The Lady Vols kick things off Friday against No. 22 Auburn at 6:30 p.m. UT then hosts the No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats on Sunday for a 5 p.m. first serve. Tickets are available for both contests at AllVols.com.
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