Volunteer Country

Lady Vols Win First Game Of SEC Tournament

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers advanced in the first round of the SEC Tournament.

Caleb Sisk

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The SEC women's basketball tournament has officially begun. Kellie Harper and the Tennessee Lady Volunteers took on the Kentucky Wildcats in their first matchup of the off-season. The Lady Vols entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed, and they attempted to defeat the Wildcats to advance to the next round. They did just that!

Harper was on what many believe is "the hot seat" after an underwhelming season, but she made a big impact with a 76-62 win over the Wildcats. Sara Puckett led this team. No one will ever be automatic in sports, but she is probably the closest thing to that title on this team, as she put up 22 points and shot 4-6 from three. The junior has been a big part of the success that the Lady Vols have received. She has been a nationwide shooter, which showed in today's competition. Rickea Jackson also had a solid day as she almost had a double-double on the day which is huge.

The Lady Vols' next matchup will be against the college-wide rival, the Alabama Crimson Tide, on Friday at 2:30 pm ET. Alabama defeated Tennessee in their lone season matchup on February 8th by a score of 72-58 at home. This being a neutral site game, it will be interesting to see what the Lady Vols can do.

The Lady Vols were expected to win today's matchup but entered the Alabama Crimson Tide game as underdogs. Tennessee has naturally been a great women's basketball school, but only time will tell if they can add another trophy to the trophy case.

Tennessee Lady Volunteers G Tess Darby during the win over Kentucky. (Photo by McKenzie Lange of the USA Today Network)

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Caleb Sisk
CALEB SISK