The Tennessee Lady Volunteers volleyball team is set for a high-stakes matchup that promises intensity, strategy, and perhaps a preview of postseason excellence. The Lady Vols will square off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in what is being billed as the Showdown at the Net. Slated to take place at Thompson-Boling Arena, this non-conference clash between two nationally respected programs could serve as a turning point in the 2025 season for both squads.
This isn’t just another match—it’s a battle between two storied programs with postseason ambitions and championship aspirations. From power hitters to precision passers, the court will be packed with talent. For the Lady Vols, it’s a chance to test themselves against an elite ACC squad. For Georgia Tech, it’s a test of resilience in the face of a raucous Knoxville crowd. And for volleyball fans, it’s a must-watch spectacle.
The Lady Vols enter the match riding a wave of momentum. Currently ranked in the Top 15 nationally, Tennessee boasts a record of 18-3 and has reeled off seven consecutive wins, including gritty road victories over SEC rivals Florida and Kentucky. Head coach Eve Rackham Watt has her team firing on all cylinders. The Vols’ offense, orchestrated by junior setter Kaitlyn Leffler, is one of the most balanced in the nation. Their defense, led by senior libero Sydney Taylor, has developed into a brick wall at the net and beyond.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is not to be underestimated. The Yellow Jackets are 17-4 and have been in and out of the Top 25 all season. Under head coach Michelle Collier, Georgia Tech has built a formidable reputation as a team that thrives on high-pressure matchups. Known for their fast tempo and aggressive serving game, the Jackets will look to apply pressure early and force the Vols out of system.
But more than just a potential win-loss impact, this game holds implications for NCAA tournament seeding. Both programs are expected to qualify for the Big Dance, but the difference between being a top-16 seed and hosting regional rounds—or hitting the road early—could hinge on this very matchup.
Fans will be treated to a showcase of elite talent across the board.
For Tennessee:
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Kaitlyn Leffler (S) – The junior setter has already eclipsed 900 assists this season and ranks among the top five in the SEC in assists per set. Leffler’s calm demeanor and sharp vision make her a game-changer.
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Addison Perry (OH) – The 6-foot-2 outside hitter is averaging 4.3 kills per set and has notched double-digit kills in 14 straight matches. Her ability to terminate points under pressure makes her Tennessee’s go-to weapon in crunch time.
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Sydney Taylor (L) – A defensive anchor and team leader, Taylor has been the heartbeat of the backcourt. Her passing accuracy has been crucial to the Vols’ ability to stay in-system and execute their offense.
For Georgia Tech:
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Julia Bergman (OH) – A senior from Brazil, Bergman has become a household name in college volleyball circles. She’s averaging over 5.1 kills per set and is a relentless competitor. Tennessee’s blockers will need to be at their best to slow her down.
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Paula Detering (S) – The transfer from Florida State has stabilized the Georgia Tech offense. Detering is adept at reading opposing defenses and setting the tempo for her team’s attack.
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Kayla Smith (MB) – Standing at 6-foot-4, Smith is a dominant force at the net, averaging 1.6 blocks per set. Her presence will challenge Tennessee’s middles and could be a deciding factor if the match becomes a battle at the net.
This match is more than a player showcase—it’s a tactical showdown between two elite coaching minds.
Eve Rackham Watt has gradually built Tennessee into one of the SEC’s most consistent volleyball programs. Known for her defensive mindset and emphasis on serve-receive efficiency, Rackham Watt will likely focus on neutralizing Georgia Tech’s strong service game and slowing down Bergman on the pin.
On the other side, Michelle Collier is a tactician who loves to push the tempo and force teams into uncomfortable positions. Expect Georgia Tech to try to serve aggressively to isolate Tennessee’s primary attackers and test their serve-receive depth.
Both coaches are also known for making sharp in-game adjustments, so the match could hinge on who adapts quicker once momentum starts swinging.
One of the x-factors in this matchup is the venue. The Lady Vols will play in front of a passionate home crowd at Thompson-Boling Arena, where they are undefeated this season. Tennessee’s fans have grown more vocal and engaged under Rackham Watt’s leadership, and their presence gives the Vols a distinct edge.
Historically, Georgia Tech has struggled in hostile road environments. Three of their four losses this year have come on the road, and maintaining composure in front of an energized orange-and-white crowd will be critical for their success.
“We feed off the energy,” said Addison Perry in a recent interview. “When we play at home, it’s more than just volleyball—it’s a community. We don’t just play for ourselves; we play for every little girl in the stands dreaming of being a Lady Vol one day.”
In the bigger picture, this game serves as a mid-season measuring stick.
For the Lady Vols:
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A win would boost their RPI and strengthen their case to host early NCAA Tournament rounds.
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It would also mark another victory over a Power 5 opponent, further validating the team’s national ranking.
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More importantly, it would prove Tennessee can close out big matches against elite competition—a trait essential for deep tournament runs.
For Georgia Tech:
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A road win over a top-tier SEC program would elevate their national profile and improve their postseason resume.
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It would reinforce their ability to win in tough environments, something they’ll need in the ACC and the NCAA Tournament.
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Beating Tennessee would also be a morale booster as they approach the grueling final stretch of ACC play.
Tennessee will enter the match as the slight favorite, largely due to their home-court advantage and current form. However, volleyball is a momentum sport, and Georgia Tech is more than capable of stealing the spotlight.
Keys for Tennessee:
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Win the Serve-Pass Battle – Limiting errors from the service line while passing accurately in serve receive will be essential.
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Block Discipline – Against a quick-set offense, Tennessee’s front line must stay disciplined and read the setter effectively.
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Capitalize in Transition – Fast breaks and long rallies will provide chances to shift momentum. Efficiency in transition will be a separator.
Keys for Georgia Tech:
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Feed Julia Bergman – She’s the best scorer on the floor, and if she gets hot early, she could take over the match.
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Disrupt Tennessee’s Rhythm – Strategic serving and strong first contacts can keep the Lady Vols off balance.
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Control the Net – Winning the battle at the net, especially in middle matchups, can slow Tennessee’s pace and give the Jackets a fighting chance.
Prediction:
Expect a hard-fought match with plenty of long rallies, emotional swings, and five-set potential. If Tennessee can dictate the pace early and keep Georgia Tech’s big hitters in check, the Vols should escape with a close win.
Prediction: Tennessee 3, Georgia Tech 2.
No matter the outcome, The Showdown at the Net promises to be a match that resonates long after the final whistle. It’s a moment where preparation meets passion, where strategies collide, and where the next chapter of each team’s story is written in the sweat, effort, and heart poured out on the hardwood.
For the Lady Vols, it’s another step in their climb back to the elite tier of women’s college volleyball—a journey defined not just by victories, but by courage, chemistry, and belief.
For Georgia Tech, it’s a moment to prove that their ceiling is as high as they believe it is, and that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone, anywhere.
Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and bring the energy. The net is set. The stakes are high. Let the showdown begin.
