Tennessee Vols morning report: Kellie Harper, players recap Lady Vols’ opener
We’re two days away from one of the Tennessee Vols football team’s most anticipated matchups against a ranked team in a while. UT continues to prepare for the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs, and the resurgent program under Josh Heupel is generating all the hype.
However, the women’s basketball program made news as well Wednesday, winning its opener a day after the men’s basketball team won its opener. Officially, all three sports are underway, which is what always makes November so exciting.
Our morning update on Rocky Top will touch on continued press conferences on the upcoming football matchup along with continuing our postgame coverage of the women’s basketball outing. We also have signings in women’s basketball, volleyball and men’s golf to bring you, as Wednesday was signing day in every sport but football. Let’s dive in.
Josh Heupel, Kirby Smart speak at SEC teleconference – SECSports
Ahead of the Tennessee Vols football team’s matchup with Georgia, both head coaches spoke Wednesday at the weekly SEC teleconference. Here’s what Heupel said about getting ready for Saturday’s matchup.
"“Our preparation has been good. Our guys are excited about this one, as they are every week. But obviously this is a special game, just the rivalry that is Tennessee and Georgia. Georgia’s football team is an exceptional team. For us, it’s a great challenge in all three phases of the game, one we’re looking forward to. Know it’s going to be a great environment inside of Neyland Stadium Saturday afternoon, one we’re looking forward to being in.”"
‘Vol Calls’ features Josh Heupel – Vol Network podcast
In addition to the SEC teleconference, Josh Heupel took part in “Vol Calls’ Wednesday night. Here’s a bit of what he said about the excitement of the program after its 45-42 win on the road over the Kentucky Wildcats.
"“Man, it’s been a great journey so far with these guys. I said that at the beginning of the year, we’re just embarking on it. Group of guys that continues to grow in every way — the way they prepare, continue to fight every second of the clock. I told them and continue to say it, man, I just love competing with these guys.”"
Kellie Harper, players talk season-opening win – Maria M. Cornelius, GoVols247
After losing Marta Suárez to a season-ending injury and without Jordan Horston due to an ankle injury, the No. 15/12 Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team then lost Rae Burrell to a knee injury in the first half of its opener against the Southern Illinois Salukis. There’s no update on her. UT still won 59-49 to improve to 4-0. Here’s a bit of how Kellie Harper described the game.
"“We knew that Southern Illinois was going to come in and be very disciplined. They had a great game plan. They were very physical, and you know they can shoot the ball.”"
Alexus Dye, Jordan Walker and Tamari Key also spoke. Dye, a Troy Trojans transfer, had a double-double on her birthday. Here’s what she said about pulling out the game in the fourth quarter.
"We just had to finish and keep doing what we were doing, making plays. We had to play our game."
Walker took over with nine points in the fourth quarter to help UT pull away. Here’s what she said about the slow start.
"“We said in our huddle that we were going to come out strong. I felt like we didn’t come out as strongly as we thought we would. That kind of shocked us, and we had to fight back. We finally got the energy, and that is how we ended up winning the game.”"
Key got into foul trouble early but still managed six rebounds and did what she could. Here’s what she said about the 17-2 run to end the game.
"“We just knew as a team that we weren’t about to lose the game. We just had to turn it on. A win is a win. This one wasn’t as pretty as we wanted it to be, but we pulled it out in the fourth quarter. We stayed together throughout the whole game, and that is the most important part.”"
Lady Vols sign five-star Justine Pissott – Cora Hall, Knoxville News Sentinel
Before winning their season-opener, the Tennessee women’s basketball team signed five-star wing Justine Pissott earlier in the day. Ranked the No. 11 overall player nationally and the No. 2 player at her position on ESPN, Pissott comes out of New Jersey.
"Her junior season, which was shortened due to COVID-19, Pissott averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks at Red Bank Catholic. She hit 49% on field goals, 44% on 3-point field goals and 92% on free throws."
Volleyball signes Kadnyce Boothe – UTSports
PrepVolleyball.com top-150 player Kadnyce Boothe officially signed with the Tennessee Lady Vols volleyball program Wednesday. Boothe is an outside hitter and will join the team in January.
"Rated as the 110th-ranked recruit in the nation and the fourth-ranked in North Carolina by PrepVolleyball.com, the 6-1 Boothe has been named to the AVCA Best and Brightest First Team and the region three AVCA All-Region first team. She is also a member of the 2021 AVCA High School Third-Team All-America."
Men’s golf head coach talks signing three players – Austin Price, VolQuest.com
The Tennessee Vols men’s golf program officially announced the signing of Caleb Surratt, Bruce Murphy and Evan Woosley-Reed Wednesday. Head coach Brennan Webb spoke about his new class. Here’s a bit of what he said about the No. 3 class in the nation.
"“All three of these guys have won a lot at the national level, obviously in-state. So it’s huge for us to see guys that know how to win and can kind of seal the deal when they get the chance.”"