TUSCALOOSA, AL. – Despite an impressive 10-1 start to the season through non-conference play, the Tide’s subsequent 0-3 performance against SEC opponents had been less than ideal. But on Wednesday night, they faced their toughest challenge of the season against the No. 12-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, who entered the match leading the SEC with a perfect 4-0 record.

Coach Rashinda Reed made several alterations from the typical starting lineup. Most notably, OH Micah Gryniewicz was unable to play due to injury. Additionally, Vic Schmer started at libero over Sydney Gholson. Schmer had started the 2022 season as the team’s libero, but Gholson eventually won and retained the job, until this match. Gholson was relegated to DS for starting Opp Kyla Dunaway. Francesca Bertucci acted as DS to Sami Jacobs, who replaced Gryniewicz on the outside.

Missed serves and out-of-system execution issues plagued the Tide early in set 1, as Tennessee led 15-8. The Volunteers were significantly more efficient offensively, allowing them to easily defeat the Tide in set one (14-25). The ability of Tennessee to have a consistent D-ball threat – which is rare in the women’s game – aided them tremendously.

With significantly reduced errors and improved defense, the Tide was able to get ahead by a few points and maintain it, leading 15-12 early in set one. A block by the Volunteers tied it up at 22-22. A controversial centerline violation against the Tide resulted in a set two loss (23-25).

Set three saw the Volunteers get out to an early lead and Opp Kaleigh Palmer be subbed in for Dunaway. The deficit seemed impervious to roster adjustments, however, as the Tide lost set three (18-25) and the match 0-3 (14-25, 23-25, 18-25).

Coach Reed commented, “I’m not happy with the result but I’m pleased with the fight of our team. We are getting better every game.”

With the loss, Alabama falls to 10-5 (0-4), and tie for last place in the SEC. They’ll head to Gainesville to play #9 Florida, still chasing their first SEC win.

Elliott Scully serves as WVUA-FM’s senior volleyball writer. Follow Elliott on X @elliottscull