The Lady Vols’ inaugural road test in Baltimore revealed the immediate friction of an entirely new roster, as Tennessee trailed a tight first quarter and managed a meager 12 points before finding its rhythm. Despite leading by just two points early, the Vols (2-0) transformed the game in the second and third quarters, outscoring Coppin State (1-1) by a staggering margin to secure a 98-60 victory. This dramatic shift highlighted the team’s ability to adjust under pressure, turning a sluggish opening into a decisive rout that signaled underlying depth despite the initial struggles.
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Fifth-year guard Kaylene Smikle anchored the offense with 18 points on efficient 7-for-12 shooting, though her impact was initially hampered by foul trouble that forced her to the bench during the first half. The game featured intense defensive pressure and tight officiating, evidenced by the two teams combining for 57 free throw attempts, creating a grind-it-out atmosphere that tested the younger players’ composure. Smikle’s eventual return to the floor provided the offensive spark needed to break the Eagles’ resistance, proving her value as the team’s primary scorer and stabilizing force.
Coach Kim Caldwell viewed the chaotic first quarter as a necessary developmental hurdle, noting that the hostile environment helped her newer and younger players build resilience early in the season. “They gave us a great first quarter, and we needed that,” Caldwell stated, emphasizing that the pressure and rattled start ultimately made the team stronger. With the early road challenge behind them, Tennessee returns to the Food City Center, carrying the confidence of a hard-fought win that exposed both the team’s vulnerabilities and its significant potential.
Source: Yahoo Sports
