Alabama women’s basketball has never beaten Tennessee in Knoxville. In fact, Alabama has not won in the last 40 meetings between the two rivals. On Thursday, Alabama heads to face the No. 6 Lady Vols hoping to make history.
The Crimson Tide is currently 2-47 in the series and 0-20 in Knoxville. Despite the history, junior forward Nikki Hegstetter said the team can be successful if everyone executes properly.
“If everyone takes what they can control, and control it with a 100% then I feel like we will be successful,” she said.
It’s not just Alabama who has struggled to put away Tennessee. The Lady Volunteers have won 18 of their last 19 games and have not suffered a home loss in over a year.
Coach Kristy Curry said she is focusing on what the team can control, and not worrying about the success of the opponent. Curry said she is looking forward to Thursday night’s competition as it will provide the team with a great opportunity.
“As a player and as a coach you just embrace this, because playing at Tennessee is exciting,” she said. “We are really excited about the trip to Knoxville.”
Despite recent struggles, Curry said she is optimistic every experience will help the team make better decisions in the game. Curry said the team is starting to get comfortable with the road routine and expects comfort to translate into better road performances.
“Every trip, every experience has been a true blessing because we have the opportunity to grow from it,” she said.
Hegstetter said the team’s energy and effort will be important going forward.
“At the end of the day if you step off the court or you step out of practice and you said I gave it all I got that is all you can do,” she said. “If each player takes that mindset that I need to bring my best everyday then I think it will make us more successful.”
After Thursday night’s game in Knoxville, the Crimson Tide will return home to host No. 14 Mississippi State in Foster Auditorium on Sunday at 2 p.m. This game will also serve as the team’s annual Power of Pink/Play 4Kay game.
