Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (11/09/2026) — The Tennessee Lady Volunteers opened their 2026 season with an emphatic statement at Food City Center Monday night, dismantling the New Haven Chargers 83-40 in front of 10,343 fans. Tennessee's combination of perimeter shooting and rebounding dominance proved insurmountable for a New Haven squad that struggled to generate consistent offense throughout the contest.
How It Happened
Tennessee seized control early and never relinquished it. Naomi White drained a 23-foot three-pointer at the 8:22 mark of the first quarter — assisted by Zhen Craft — to push the Lady Vols to a 5-1 advantage, and Kennedy Fauntleroy followed with a 26-foot three moments later to extend the lead to 8-1. Kaylene Smikle added another long-range strike from 24 feet to push Tennessee to 11-3 before New Haven mounted a brief response.
The Chargers briefly trimmed the deficit to single digits when Jada Eads connected from beyond the arc at the 1:28 mark, pulling New Haven within 15-10 heading into the final minute of the first quarter. Aaliyah Moore converted a pair of free throws as time expired to send Tennessee to the second quarter with a 17-10 edge.
The second quarter belonged to Tennessee's shooters. Riley Makalusky buried a 26-foot three at the 8:22 mark, with Fauntleroy earning the assist to extend the lead to 21-11. Smikle added her second three-pointer of the night — a 25-footer — before Jasmine McKay provided New Haven's lone bright spot of the half, hitting a 29-foot three to trim the gap to 24-18. Tennessee closed the half on a decisive run, with Makalusky adding another three-pointer and Smikle converting a tip-in to send the Lady Vols into the locker room leading 37-24.
The third quarter sealed the outcome. Tennessee continued to push, with Jada Eads hitting a 26-foot three at the 8:03 mark to open the second half scoring. Gabby Minus added a three of her own at the 2:59 mark, and Fatmata Janneh converted from 26 feet at the buzzer to push the lead to 53-33 entering the fourth quarter.
Turning Point
The game's decisive sequence came in the fourth quarter when Tennessee uncorked a 21-0 run, extending a 50-33 advantage to a commanding 70-35 margin. The run featured back-to-back three-pointers from Gabby Minus and Harissoum Coulibaly — the latter hitting from 24 feet with Riley Makalusky assisting — that eliminated any remaining doubt. New Haven's offense, already hampered by 26 turnovers on the night, could not generate a response as Tennessee's defense clamped down and the Lady Vols converted in transition repeatedly.
The statistical disparity told the full story of the stretch: Tennessee finished with 12 turnovers compared to New Haven's 26, and the Lady Vols converted those miscues into scoring opportunities throughout the second half.
Star of the Game
Aaliyah Moore led Tennessee with 14 points and seven rebounds, setting the tone at both ends of the floor. Moore's composure and efficiency — she made her presence felt early, converting free throws at the end of the first quarter and hitting a layup in the third quarter to push the lead to 55-33 — anchored an offense that spread scoring across nine contributors.
Gabby Minus complemented Moore with 13 points and eight rebounds, drilling two three-pointers including a critical shot to open fourth-quarter scoring. Kaylene Smikle added 10 points and eight rebounds — with three three-pointers helping Tennessee establish its perimeter identity in the opening two quarters — while Kennedy Fauntleroy chipped in 11 points and five rebounds.
For New Haven, Teaira Kelley delivered a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort, providing a bright spot in an otherwise difficult night for the Chargers.
What It Means
For the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, the season-opening performance at Food City Center demonstrates clear perimeter depth, with the team connecting on 16 three-pointers at a 38% clip. The Lady Vols out-rebounded New Haven 53-43 and held a decisive turnover margin, suggesting a disciplined and well-organized unit heading into conference play.
For the New Haven Chargers, the 28% shooting performance and 26 turnovers represent areas that must improve significantly. Despite Kelley's individual effort, the Chargers face a long road ahead and will need sharper ball security and better shooting efficiency to compete as the season progresses.
