Tennessee Vols morning report: Multiple games canceled or postponed
Four Tennessee Vols games being canceled leads our Nov. 24 Volunteers news.
A bunch of news on Monday meant that there would be a lot less Tennessee Vols news throughout the week of Thanksgiving. As the pandemic rages across the country, it’s having its biggest effect on programs right now, and UT was no different.
Our morning report on Rocky Top leads with multiple games being canceled or postponed this week due to the virus hitting the program. It affected four games across three sports, and we’ll break down all of them here.
Beyond the pandemic, though, there is some other news, including football and women’s basketball media sessions, basketball TV news and a volleyball recognition. Let’s start with all the cancelations, though.
Three games UT canceled, one postponed due to COVID – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
The Tennessee Vols football matchup Saturday with the Vanderbilt Commodores has been postponed. Women’s basketball’s matchup with the Florida A&M Rattlers Friday was canceled. Men’s basketball’s Volunteer classic, in which they’d host the Charlotte 49ers Wednesday and VCU Rams Friday, was also postponed after there was a COVID outbreak in the program.
"Tennessee men’s head coach Rick Barnes was one of the positive for the Vols from tests conducted on Sunday afternoon. The Tennessee program was retested Monday before announcing the cancelation of the Volunteer Classic."
Jeremy Pruitt takes podium after Auburn loss – Austin Price, VolQuest.com
Before it was known that the Tennessee Vols football matchup with Vanderbilt would be canceled, Jeremy Pruitt held his weekly media session and recapped the Auburn loss while previewing what was initially scheduled for Saturday. Here’s a bit of what he said about the players’ attitudes amidst this winning streak.
"“These guys, they work extremely hard. They prepare the right way. They compete at practice. They’re smart guys, right? Most of these guys, except for the freshman class, they were all here when we went on an eight-game winning streak, right?”"
Kellie Harper previews season – 99.1 The Sports Animal
With Friday’s matchup against Florida A&M canceled, the Tennessee Lady Vols’ season-opener will now be Saturday against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Head coach Kellie Harper held a scheduled media session Monday to preview the season.
"“I think one of the biggest things for us is that our returners are better. They have improved. I think our team chemistry has been good. We’ve been working hard on that. I think our newcomers are filing in some spots that we needed, so we’re really excited about their production as well.”"
SEC Network unveils non-conference basketball slates – SECSports
Nearly the full SEC Network basketball schedule was released Monday. The Tennessee Vols men’s basketball team will at least face the Appalachian State Mountaineers on the network on Dec. 15, and the Lady Vols have nine games scheduled to be played on the network throughout the year.
"SEC Network unveiled its full women’s television slate and non-conference men’s schedule for the 2020-21 campaign, with regular season games and postseason play set for SEC Network this season. In addition, SEC Network+, the digital companion to SEC Network, will stream several women’s and men’s matchups throughout the season. All schedules are subject to change and additional network designations are forthcoming."
Lily Felts named SEC Player of the Week – UTSports
After helping the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball team achieve back to back road sweeps of the Auburn Tigers last week, junior Lily Felts was recognized by the SEC. She earned SEC Player of the Week and SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
"In six sets against Auburn, Felts totaled 31 kills, hit .296, recorded 14 digs, a pair of blocks, two aces and chipped in with two assists. For the second week running, she averaged more than five kills per set (5.17) and more than five points pet set (5.67)."