The Lady Vols basketball program has paused all team activities following one positive COVID-19 test result and subsequent contact tracing among its Tier 1 personnel, which consists of coaches, student-athletes, team managers and support staff, according a press release.
:All of Tennessee’s Tier 1 personnel returned two negative tests (PCR and rapid antigen) administered within 36 hours of Monday night’s game,” Tennessee’s press release stated. “The positive test was administered as part of Monday’s routine surveillance protocol, with the result returning Tuesday morning.
“The Lady Vol basketball program is following SEC, local and university public health guidelines to prioritize the health and safety of all student-athletes and staff as well as the campus and local community.”
Tennessee’s SEC-opener at Texas A&M on December 31 has been postponed, as well as this Sunday’s conference home-opener against Kentucky. The decision is “consistent with Southeastern Conference COVID-19 management requirements” according to a press release from the SEC.
The shutdown comes on the heels of the Lady Vols defeating Lipscomb 77-52 on Monday night. Senior forward Rennia Davis had a double-double consisting of 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Tennessee (6-1) to a win. Rae Burrell scored 10 points, while Kasiyahna Kushkituah and Tamari Key chipped in nine points, apiece.
Tennessee entered the game ranking 14th in the nation in field goal percentage defense at 31.7 percent. After limiting Lipscomb to 30.4 percent, the Lady Vols have held all seven opponents this year below 40 percent and six of seven to 32 percent or lower. During the Harper era, only eight of 38 opponents have reached 40 percent field goal shooting in a game.
The Lady Vols’ next scheduled game is set for Jan. 7 against Arkansas. Tennessee will host the Razorbacks at 6:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
