The Lady Vols welcomed Wofford to Knoxville Tuesday night, shutting down the Terriers 85-63. Tennessee advanced to a 6-5 season with this victory, sending Wofford home with a 7-5 record.
And while the Lady Vols welcomed a familiar face back to the court with Rickea Jackson’s return, they mourned the season-ending injury of Destinee Wells.
Lady Vols Win 85-63 Over Wofford
Despite their 92-53 win over Wofford last year, the Lady Vols were facing an uphill battle against this season’s 7-4 Terriers. Tennessee has struggled to establish consistent footing this season, with Rickea Jackson missing the previous eight consecutive games due to injury.
Noise filled Thompson-Boling Arena’s Food City Center in the first quarter’s final minutes, however, as Rickea Jackson took to the court for the first time in eight games. She celebrated an efficient return, logging 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists during her 21 minutes of play.
Karoline Striplin, who led the Lady Vols in scoring the previous two matchups, was an integral part of yet another game, contributing the team’s second-most points against Wofford. Striplin added 16 points to the scoreboard, logging 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist in the process.
Sara Puckett offered 12 points and 5 rebounds during her 25 minutes on the court, with two of those baskets coming as three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Jewel Spear collected 18 points on the night, with 12 of those coming from behind the arc.
Jasmine Powell provided her assets as an all-around team player. In addition to her 9 points & 8 rebounds, Jasmine Powell logged 10 assists. Powell will serve an even more prominent role on the team now that Wells is stuck on the sideline for the remainder of the season.
Rickea Jackson Returns, Destinee Wells Out For Season
Jackson’s thrilling return to Tennessee’s active roster didn’t come without a new gut punch for the Lady Vols, however. Destinee Wells, dressed in sweats, entered the arena with a dismal look on her face. She cheered her team on from the sidelines, accompanied by a large boot on her right knee.
Coach Kellie Harper revealed the extent of her injury postgame, saying that Wells will sit out the remainder of the season.
Wofford Terriers Can’t Scrap Together A Win
The Wofford Terriers put up a scrappy showing against the Lady Vols, though it wasn’t quite enough to result in a win. All nine Wofford players took to the court against Tennessee.
By the second half, they incited a fast-paced showdown intent on reducing the point deficit. Tennessee had garnered a 25-point lead come the fourth quarter, locking in a 22-point lead by the final buzzer.
Wofford’s leading point scorer, Rachael Rose, provided consistent contributions in this matchup. Her full 40 minutes on the court resulted in 23 total points, 13 rebounds, and 5 steals.
Meanwhile, three-point leader Maddie Heiss sunk four of her seven attempts behind the arc.
The Lady Vols head to Lynchburg, VA to put a cap on their 2023 matchups on Dec. 31. Fans can tune into ESPN+ to watch Tennessee take on Liberty University at 2 p.m. ET.
