PREVIEW: Volleyball Visits Lady Vols for Final Road Test

Friday, March 5

Knoxville, Tenn.

5:30 PM

Mississippi State

Tennessee

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

PREVIEW: Volleyball Visits Lady Vols for Final Road Test

March 04, 2021 | Volleyball

Match Notes Watch | Match 1 Watch | Match 2 Live Stats | Match 1 Live Stats | Match 2

By: Austin Coats, Graduate Assistant/Communications

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State volleyball is set for its final road test this weekend as it travels to Thompson-Boling Arena to take on Tennessee in a two-match series.

The Bulldogs (4-10, 4-10 SEC) and Lady Volunteers (6-6, 6-6 SEC), who received votes in the most recent AVCA rankings, will meet Friday (March 5) and Saturday (March 6), with first serve coming at 5:30 p.m. CT each evening. Fans can watch both matches on the SEC Network+ digital platform.

This trip to Knoxville to play a very polished Tennessee team will be a great test for us," MSU volleyball head coach Julie Darty Dennis said. "We have had plenty of time to process and improve after an uncharacteristic weekend in Tuscaloosa, and I think we are more focused than ever. We have put in some good work on and off the court this week to really make sure we have that chemistry that helps us play our best volleyball.

"I am excited for the opportunity to compete, and I hope that we can stay focused on our one point, one set, one match at a time mentality. We are paying attention to being present and making progress this season and using that experience to improve as a program."

Tennessee was swept by No. 8 Florida in last week's competition, falling in straight sets in both contests. The Lady Vols rank No. 1 in the SEC in digs (15.93 per set), led by Madison Coulter, the league's individual leader in the category (3.83 per set).

Match Information

Match 1
Opponent: Tennessee
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena | Knoxville, Tenn.
Date & Time: Friday, March 5 | 5:30 p.m. CT
Broadcast: SEC Network+

Match 2
Opponent: Tennessee
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena | Knoxville, Tenn.
Date & Time: Saturday, March 6 | 5:30 p.m. CT
Broadcast: SEC Network+

Series History

Overall: 13-48
at MSU: 5-20
at Tennessee: 4-25
Neutral: 4-3
Last Meeting: Nov. 30, 2019 | Knoxville, Tenn. | Tennessee won, 3-0

First Serve

Junior right side hitter Gabby Waden is one of three SEC players that ranks in the SEC top 10 in kills (No. 7; 3.88 per set), points (No. 8; 4.13 per set) and hitting percentage (.321).
During the spring portion of the 2020-21 season, Waden is averaging 4.17 kills per set on a .340 hitting percentage.
Sophomore outside hitter Callie Minshew ranks tied for No. 7 in the SEC in service aces (0.35 per set).
Graduate middle blocker Jessica Kemp has collected at least three total blocks in seven straight matches.

For more information on the Bulldogs, follow the program on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @HailStateVB.