Tennessee’s women’s basketball team is set to open a highly anticipated doubleheader at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Dec. 18, facing Baylor before turning the spotlight to a matchup between Vanderbilt and Belmont later that evening.
A Rivalry That Stretches Back Decades
The Lady Vols have struggled against Baylor, dropping six straight meetings and falling to a 2‑6 record overall, with their most recent victory coming at home in 2009. The upcoming contest will mark the first time the two programs meet at Bridgestone Arena, a venue where Tennessee has not played since 2022.
Baylor arrives with a strong 25‑9 record from last season, ranking third in the Big 12 conference, and has already tasted tournament success by defeating Nebraska before bowing out to Duke in the second round.
Vanderbilt and Belmont Re‑Connect After Eight Years
Vanderbilt, fresh off a streak of three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances that included a Sweet 16 run in 2026, will meet Belmont for the first time since 2017, a game that last ended in an 111‑74 loss for the Commodores. All previous meetings have taken place at one of the two Nashville schools, making this encounter a fresh chapter in a local rivalry.
Tickets for both games will go on sale May 29 at 11 a.m. ET, promising a busy week for fans across the state.
Key Players and Coaching Influence
The revamped roster includes veteran Kim Caldwell, whose experience is expected to bolster the team’s depth as they prepare for the challenges ahead.