BY: Cassie McCracken
This past weekend, the Volunteers were looking to make a statement, and that is exactly what they did.  After the best start in the program's history, the team was 3-3 in conference and struggling to maintain momentum while losing seven of their last eight games. With the majority of the starting roster being freshmen and sophomores, I blame their inexperience as a large factor during the slump. This past weekend the Orange and White had the opportunity to host in-state rival, Vanderbilt and not only prove themselves within the Southeastern Conference but also to display the hidden talent in this young team.

I had the privilege to attend the second game of the three game set on a beautiful baseball afternoon at Lindsey Nelson Field.  Two errors by the Vanderbilt second baseman lead to the sophomore Derek Lance stepping up to the plate with the bases full and no outs.  Lance stepped to the plate and roped a double down the left field line allowing Wormsley, Houser and Stewart all to score. Vanderbilt continued to let mistakes dominate the inning by committing three errors. Junior, Will Maddox also had an impressive performance scoring on 3 of 4 at bats. The losing streak was quickly broken in an exciting bottom of the ninth performance by freshman Nathaniel Maggio. The two-out, two-strike, two-RBI single to left field sealed in the Volunteer’s 10-9 win in the second series game over the then #4 ranked Commodores.

Winning the second game in walk-off fashion gave the team more momentum to press on through Sunday. The team made an effort to send the #4 ranked Commodores a message when they stepped on the field and managed to shut them out winning 7-0. Freshman Nick Senzel had a notable day while managing to steal second base in the third inning and score two runs in the game. This win over Vanderbilt became only their second regular series defeat since 2009 and the Vol’s first defeat of a top five opponent since they beat LSU in 2012.

For Tennessee, these freshmen standout players will be key to their success in the next few years. The talent level that coach Dave Serrano has been able to bring to Knoxville shows promise for our in-conference performance. With well-managed and well-coached teams like those of the SEC, recruiting can be difficult. Wins against schools like Vanderbilt will be vital to bring in talented, new future Vols.

The Diamond Vols will be playing in Knoxville again in the Hokie-Smokie Classic against SEC rival, Alabama on Friday the 18^th of April at 6:00 p.m. With such a huge win under their belts, let’s hope the now #21 ranked Volunteers can pull through another conference win.

Hope to see you all there!