Bulldogs face Tennessee Lady Vols in historic season opener

The Samford women's basketball team is preparing to start the 2024-25 season with a road game against Tennessee, a prominent national program. This duel marks the first meeting between the two teams in women's basketball. With a roster that features five new players, including notable transfers and freshmen, the Bulldogs look to compete effectively against the Lady Vols, who are coming off a season with a 20-13 record.

Through the numbers

• Tennessee finished last season with a 20-13 record and 10-6 in the Southeastern Conference.
• Sadie Stetson is the Bulldogs' leading returning scorer, averaging 8.7 points per game last season.
• Emily Bowman set single-season records with 255 rebounds and 74 blocked shots.

state of affairs

• Samford's squad has been strengthened with five new players, including three transfers.
• Key returning players include Sadie Stetson and Kennedy Langham, with Langham being the SoCon Freshman of the Year.
• Tennessee returns two starters and has roster depth that includes seven letterwinners from last season.

What's next?

The Bulldogs will look to establish their identity in the season opener against Tennessee and potentially set the tone for their upcoming games. A strong initial performance could boost the team's confidence as the season progresses.

Conclusion

This game against Tennessee is more than just a season opener; It serves as a benchmark for Samford's growth and competitiveness. Their ability to perform well against strong opposition could redefine expectations for the upcoming season.