The University of Tennessee women’s basketball team kicked off its 2026-27 campaign with a resounding 109-62 win over Duquesne University in Knoxville. The Lady Vols displayed offensive firepower and defensive intensity from the opening tip, setting the tone for what Coach Kim Caldwell hopes will be a successful season.
Game highlights
Kaylene Smikle led the charge with a career‑high 31 points, scoring 23 of those in the first half alone. Her efficiency was evident as she tallied the points in just 12 minutes of play. Supporting Smikle, Gabby Minus and Rylie Theuerkauf each contributed 13 points, while Jada Eads added 12. Naomi White and Aaliyah Moore rounded out the scoring effort with 11 points apiece.
Duquesne, a first‑time opponent from the Atlantic 10 conference, kept the game close in the opening quarter, staying within two to six points of Tennessee. Carla Viegas, a transfer from Pitt, led the Dukes with 24 points and seven three‑pointers, and Nadia Moore added 16 points for the visitors.
Coaches’ perspectives
Coach Caldwell praised Smikle’s performance, noting the player’s joy and focus on the court. “She’s been locked in from the moment I saw her today,” Caldwell said. “Seeing that joy in her was really special for me.” Caldwell also highlighted the value of early adversity, saying the early run by Duquesne tested the team’s resilience.
Duquesne’s head coach Dan Burt, a longtime family friend of Caldwell, expressed appreciation for the hospitality in Knoxville. “We were treated very well,” Burt said. “I think the world of Kim, and they have a very good basketball team and a very good system.”
Looking ahead
The Lady Vols will travel to Baltimore for their next matchup on Thursday, Nov. 5, against Coppin State at the Physical Education Complex Arena. The game will be streamed live on the MEAC Network.
In other Tennessee athletics news, the university announced a coaching change for its women’s soccer program, parting ways with Joe Kirt. Athletic Director Danny White praised Kirt’s dedication and impact on the program, emphasizing that the decision was not a reflection of his character.
After a challenging 2025‑26 season that saw the Lady Vols finish 13th in the SEC and miss the conference tournament, the team is eager to rebound. The program hopes the strong start against Duquesne signals a turnaround and a return to the top of the conference.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
