The University of Tennessee women’s basketball team continued its strong start to the 2026-27 season on Thursday night, routing the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 110-64 at the Thompson-Boling Arena. Senior forward Kaylene Smikle poured in a career‑high 30 points, while the Lady Vols forced 34 turnovers and tallied 30 team steals, underscoring the defensive intensity that has become a hallmark of Coach Kim Caldwell’s program.
Key performances
Smikle’s scoring outburst was complemented by a balanced attack from the rest of the roster. Guard Gabby Minus added 15 points, forward Harissoum Coulibaly contributed 13, and both Fats Janneh and Naomi White chipped in nine points each. The Vols shot a perfect 15-for-15 from the free‑throw line, a marked improvement after missing 12 attempts in their opening win over New Haven.
Middle Tennessee’s leading scorer was senior guard Xai Whitfield, who posted 16 points. Freshman forward Mya Kone added 11, while Blair Baugus and Kirston Verhulst each scored 10. Verhulst’s three‑point barrage highlighted the Blue Raiders’ effort, but it was not enough to stem the tide.
Coach Caldwell’s perspective
After the game, Coach Caldwell praised her team’s resilience and quick adjustments. “I was really impressed with their response on a short turnaround,” she said in a post‑game video. “They listened to what we said, took it to heart, and fixed it. That’s what makes them fun to coach.” She also noted the growth of Coulibaly, who had been relatively quiet in the first three games. “It was great to see her more comfortable on the floor tonight. She’s going to continue to grow and grow,” Caldwell added.
The coach emphasized that November is a learning period for her squad, all of whom are new to the system. “All 14 available players are new, and the wrinkles start to get smoothed out with each game,” Caldwell explained. The improved press rotations and aggressive defensive scheme were evident in the 30 steals—a team record for the season.
Looking ahead
The Lady Vols now sit 4-0, having also defeated New Haven 83-40 earlier in the week. Their schedule remains packed, with a road trip to Nashville to face Belmont on November 17, a home matchup against Radford on November 19, and a marquee showdown against defending national champion UCLA on November 22.
Fans can catch the upcoming games on SEC Network and the university’s streaming platforms. The team’s early success has generated excitement across the Knoxville community, reinforcing the program’s reputation for disciplined play and strong fundamentals.
Community impact
Local supporters gathered in the arena to cheer on the Vols, highlighting the deep connection between the university’s athletic programs and the surrounding neighborhoods. The victory not only adds to the team’s win column but also serves as a rallying point for families and faith‑based groups who view the Lady Vols as ambassadors of hard work, teamwork, and Christian values.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
