Tennessee will open its NCAA tournament schedule against East Carolina in the Chapel Hill regional, entering the tournament as the two‑seed among the 64 teams vying for a spot in the College World Series. The matchup marks the Volunteers' seventh consecutive appearance in the national tournament, underscoring a period of sustained competitiveness.
Blanco’s Postseason pedigree
Lefty Evan Blanco is slated to take the mound for Tennessee, marking his 16th start of the season and his first postseason start for the Volunteers. Coach Josh Elander highlighted Blanco’s prior postseason experience as a decisive factor in the pitching rotation decision.
Blanco’s most recent outing came in the SEC tournament, where he surrendered five runs over three innings against Arkansas before the Volunteers were eliminated. Despite that setback, Elander remains confident that Blanco’s track record in high‑stakes games will provide stability on the mound.
Key lineup pieces return
First‑year head coach Josh Elander also confirmed that outfielder Reese Chapman will be available for the Volunteers, adding depth to an already potent batting order. Chapman’s presence could prove pivotal as the team looks to translate regular‑season momentum into tournament success.
The Chapel Hill regional represents more than just a geographic stop; it is a familiar venue for Elander, who first stepped onto the regional stage in 2019 as part of the staff. Seven years later, he returns as the team’s head coach, carrying the experience of that earlier trip into his strategic decisions.
Aiming for a deeper run
Tennessee’s objective extends beyond merely participating; the Volunteers are focused on advancing through the regional and potentially beyond, with the ultimate goal of securing a berth in the College World Series. The combination of seasoned pitching, a versatile lineup, and the continuity of experienced leadership creates a narrative of optimism for the program.