ANN ARBOR, MI - Lady Vols Ready for a Rematch in March Madness
The Lady Vols are gearing up for a familiar face-off in the first round of the Women's NCAA Tournament. As the No. 10 seed, Tennessee (16-13) is set to take on No. 7 seed NC State (20-10) on March 20 at 8 p.m.
ET, with ESPN broadcasting the action. A victory would propel them into a clash with either No. 2 seed Michigan (25-6) or No. 15 seed Holy Cross (23-9) on March 22.
The season opener saw Tennessee narrowly fall to NC State, 80-77, in Greensboro. Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell reflected on this as a chance to prove their growth since that early-season slip. "We've come a long way, hit some bumps, and now it’s time to show who we really are," Caldwell said.
Game Details: Lady Vols vs. NC State
- Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m.
ET
- Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Broadcast: ESPN
Seeding Dynamics in the NCAA Tournament
Tennessee’s drop to a No. 10 seed was strategic, avoiding an SEC matchup in the early rounds. The NCAA’s seeding principles, now tied to financial incentives for conferences, played a pivotal role in this decision.
Lady Vols Season Highlights
The Lady Vols have had a rollercoaster of a season. Key victories against teams like Stanford and Mississippi State show their potential, but losses to powerhouses like UConn and South Carolina have tested their resilience. As the postseason heats up, the team is looking to capitalize on their depth and Caldwell’s strategic full-court pressing.
Caldwell’s Coaching Prowess
Kim Caldwell is no stranger to the intensity of March Madness. Her track record includes never missing an NCAA Tournament, with a 34-12 postseason record. Her knack for leading teams to success was evident at Glenville State and Marshall, and now she aims to push Tennessee further in the tournament.
Lady Vols Roster Overview
The roster is a mix of seasoned seniors and promising freshmen:
- Seniors: Janiah Barker, Nya Robertson, Jersey Wolfenbarger, Zee Spearman
- Redshirt Junior: Talaysia Cooper
- Junior: Alyssa Latham
- Redshirt Sophomore: Kaniya Boyd
- Freshmen: Lauren Hurst, Mya Pauldo, Mia Pauldo, Jaida Civil, Deniya Prawl
As the Lady Vols prepare to take the court, fans can expect a blend of strategic play and passionate performance. This rematch with NC State is more than just a game; it’s a statement of how far Tennessee has come and where they’re headed next.