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4 international UT students, community members have had SEVIS status changed, at risk for deportation
Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun changing the status of international students at universities nationwide.
This afternoon, Chancellor Donde Plowman sent a mass email to all students, faculty and staff sharing that the Center for Global Engagement has found that three current students and one former student working on campus with temporary employment authorization have had their Student Exchange and Visitor Information System status changed.
This means that these students are at risk for deportation and are no longer legally eligible to enroll or work at the University of Tennessee.
According to a federal database, these students were identified by ICE through a criminal records check.
One student is on judicial diversion for a property crime, and another has
been charged with driving under the influence.
“We are still working to determine the reason for the change in status for the other two individuals,” Plowman said in her email.
CGE International Student and Scholars Services is working to support these individuals and understand their situations. CGE will continue to monitor the SEVIS status of all international students and will reach out to any who have been impacted.
“Our international students, faculty, and staff are important members of our community, and we value the contributions they make to the mission
of the university. The Center for Global Engagement will continue to keep our international students informed and supported,” Plowman said.
The Daily Beacon requested information on Tuesday regarding international students’ visa terminations. The university and ISSS did not respond.
The Beacon again contacted CGE ISSS and the university for a statement. They declined to comment further on the matter.
The names of these students are omitted for privacy reasons.
This is a developing story. Follow along at utdailybeacon.com for updates.
Crisis to community: Rocky Top Recovery helps Volunteers heal
NICHOLAS WRIGHT Staff Writer
As the opioid crisis continues to impact more college-aged individuals in Knox County, it is important for Volunteers to know that there is a support network available on campus should they ever need it.
The University of Tennessee’s Center for Health Education and Wellness is doing a lot to educate students on and reduce the stigma surrounding the growing crisis, such as hosting events where students are trained to use Narcan.
Abigail Anderson is the assistant director of the Center for Health, Wellness and Education.
“Rocky Top Recovery is a collegiate recovery program dedicated to supporting Volunteers in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. Through community building, campus programming and advocacy, students provide a supportive environment for students in recovery or interested in recovery,” Anderson said.
Anderson said that Rocky Top Recovery complements CHEW as a whole by fulfilling a vital role in serving the campus community by educating and providing services centered around alcohol and other drugs.
The group, which has been on campus for several years, experienced a downturn in participation during COVID-19, but it has grown again since the end of the pandemic.
A grant from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in 2022 has helped reinvigorate the program by providing ambassadors and their programming efforts a continued source of financial support.
The group employs several strategies to spread its message across campus and ensure that Volunteers are educated about recovery and substance misuse.
“We offer support services, community engagement activities and educational programming,” Anderson said. “Our support services include one-on-one meetings, weekly recovery meetings led by our Rocky Top Recovery ambassadors, a recovery hangout and educational programs such as recovery ally training.”
Of special note is the recovery ally training. Led by the group’s student ambassadors, these meetings generate awareness and build support for the group’s work.
Rocky Top Recovery’s student ambassadors are a group of fellow Volunteers fully dedicated to spreading awareness and information about substance misuse and recovery to their peers.
“This 50-minute presentation is designed to equip participants with the knowledge needed to help a friend or fellow Vol who may be experiencing problems related to substance misuse,” Anderson said.
These meetings include education about substance misuse, what recovery is and how one can actively support their peers.
The group plans to host more meetings and events, explicitly mentioning the upcoming Collegiate Recovery Day on April 15. The event will be held in the Student Union Plaza from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring live bands, guest speakers and more.
Students who want more information or are interested in becoming involved with Rocky Top Recovery can visit CHEW’s website or stop by one of the many outreach events held across campus.
Rocky Top Recovery priortizes UT students’ health by providing narcan training in the midst of Tennessee’s opioid epidemic. Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon
Shelby Wright / The Daily Beacon
3 healthier alternatives to standard caffeinated beverages
boost with fewer negative health effects.
Matcha
University students who maximize their efficiency levels each day by attending early classes, exercising or staying up late to finish assignments heavily support the energy drink industry. According to the Miami Student, 92% of students reported consuming caffeinated drinks.
The recommended daily caffeine limit for adults is any amount under 400 mg.
A cup of coffee, which is a common part of morning routines worldwide, contains an average caffeine dose of 100 mg, and energy drinks are increasing in caffeine levels that move into the hundreds. Energy drinks are more processed than coffee, meaning they have fewer antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Students who drank standard caffeinated drinks like coffee or Red Bull often reported feeling increased anxiety, stress and fatigue once the initial buzz wore off. While most reported a boost to their academic standing, it came at the expense of healthy sleep cycles.
Students who rely on caffeinated products can consider these alternative beverages that provide the same energy
Matcha is a classic green tea with roots in East Asia derived from the Camellia sinensis plant that is promoted for its antioxidant properties. Along with containing a lower caffeine dose — 38 mg to 89 mg — which produces a lowerintensity boost, this drink may help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
Matcha can aid in the digestion and utilization of minerals from eating other foods high in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, meaning it complements varied diets well.
Matcha is easy to prepare as it requires only matcha powder and boiled water in a heat-safe cup. It is common to add milk, agave and citrus to the drink to cut through the innate bitterness of the herb.
Yerba Mate
Another herbal tea, yerba mate, is a blend of the ilex paraguariensis plant and spices of South American origin. Along with antioxidants, the drink is rich in minerals like potassium and calcium that support strong bone structure and sustained energy.
Caffeine levels in the drink vary from 25 to 175 mg depending on the blend. The lower dose varieties produce a mellower boost.
Like matcha, mate is made by pouring boiling water directly over the herbal blend in a heat-safe cup. The larger size of the blend requires the use of a special straw. It’s common to add honey to the drink, but it is usually served without additives.
Kombucha
This drink is not commonly caffeinated, so its impact on energy levels is from its general bodily function benefits.
Kombucha is a probiotic-packed fizzy drink made from fermented bacteria and yeast with sugars. Cultures in these drinks support healthy digestion and regularity and help fight off infections and pathogens.
An efficient digestion, lowered cholesterol and higher vitamin B levels could increase sustained energy levels. Gaining these results is a lengthy process, as it takes time to build a healthy gut microbiome.
Store-bought kombuchas usually come with premade flavors — typically fruity
— so there’s no need to add anything. It is commonly used as a quick, portable dietary supplement.
Energy drinks are a common choice among college students but can potentially have negative health effects. Friday, April 4, 2025. Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon
Arabic Spring Feast serves up cuisine, community, culture
science and psychology, talked about why he feels this event, and others like it, are important.
Students, faculty and community members from all walks of life flooded into the Student Union’s 272A Conference Room for the Arabic Spring Feast on Thursday, April 3.
UT’s Middle East Studies program organized the feast in collaboration with the Arab American Club of Knoxville.
The event, which was open to all students, included a potluck dinner featuring several different Arabic dishes provided courtesy of Yassin’s Falafel House, an Arabic cultural trivia game and a speech from a visiting professor.
Dwight Britton, a sophomore studying computer science, talked about his favorite part of the event.
“The event helped bring people closer together. Especially on a Thursday, it’s something fun to do and a great opportunity to meet with your fellow students,” Britton said.
As the event began, attendees filed in line for food before sitting at tables adorned with name tags to help facilitate new connections between each other.
After receiving their food, the attendants were invited to participate in a Kahoot game on Arabic cultural trivia, with members of each table choosing one representative to answer questions.
Shane Vasco, a sophomore studying political
“I enjoyed learning more about the culture and experiencing the good food,” Vasco said. “The event helped highlight the sense of community it can bring to see that people of Arabic descent and people who aren’t can come together over something everyone can enjoy.”
Many teams participated in the game and sophomore international business and Spanish major Taylor Hasan elaborated further on how it helped the event achieve its goal.
“Everyone got to bond over the food and trivia,” Hasan said. “Me and my friends got to meet a bunch of new people and learn about their culture.”
Following the trivia game, University of Kentucky Associate Professor Karen Rignall stepped to the podium to discuss the surprisingly similar relationship between communities in the mountainous regions of Appalachia and the Middle East.
In her speech, she discussed the research that has taken her across both Appalachia and Morocco as well as her own Arabic heritage and how it has inspired her.
Rignall further elaborated on what exactly the focus of her work is.
“I’m interested in how people experience rural areas in different places, and what accounts for those similarities,” Rignall said. “Why do those places that produce the most wealth somehow
end up still being the poorest?”
Rignall also discussed why events like the Arabic Spring Feast are so important and what they bring to our communities.
“It is wonderful to see this intergenerational collection of people who bring different perspectives together and just have a desire to learn more and to spend time together,” Rignall said. “I think we need to do more of that in our country.”
The large and diverse crowd seemed to enjoy the event. Several attendees mentioned that previous feasts inspired them to come out and shared excitement for future events.
“Me and my friends went to one like this last semester so it wasn’t the first time and I would definitely come to another one like this,” Vasco said.
NICHOLAS WRIGHT Staff Writer
HARRISON ING Staff Writer
Students and faculty at UT are seen engaging in a Kahoot game, educating themselves on Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures. Thursday, April 3, 2025. Nicholas Wright / The Daily Beacon
New Malayan tiger at Zoo Knoxville spreads awareness for endangered wildlife
KACIE BURNS Staff Writer
Zoo Knoxville welcomed Jango, a 10-year-old Malayan tiger who is part of an international effort to save his species from extinction.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan brought Jango, who plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the endangered Malayan tiger population, to Knoxville.
“Jango is one of 57 tigers in the AZA’s tiger SSP program,” said Candice Dorsey, AZA’s senior vice president of conservation, management and welfare sciences. “Every Malayan tiger included in this SSP program is increasing awareness of this species’ plight in the wild and helping to ensure tigers are in our future for generations to come.”
Dorsey explained that the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List considers Malayan tigers critically endangered — less than 150 Malayan tigers are estimated to remain in the wild.
Habitat loss and poaching threatens the survival of Malayan tigers, making each tiger crucial to the species’ long-term survival.
“He is considered genetically valuable because he has not yet sired any offspring, and his lineage is underrepresented in the managed population,” Zoo Knoxville
The Zoo Knoxville featuring the Malayan tiger. Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Courtesy of JJ Jones
said in a statement. “Maintaining genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term health and sustainability of the species, ensuring a robust and resilient population.”
Wendy Boulger, a zookeeper at Zoo Knoxville, explained that Zoo Knoxville has tried to breed Malayan tigers for around 10 years with no success. Yet, they are hopeful that the match between Jango and Batari, a female tiger, will change that.
While Jango might mate with Batari, his role will also extend beyond reproduction.
“By participating in the SSP, we aim to contribute to the survival of this species through responsible breeding and public education,” Zoo Knoxville said. “Jango’s presence at Zoo Knoxville not only supports conservation through potential future
offspring but also serves as an ambassador for his species, helping us educate visitors about the threats tigers face and the importance of protecting their natural habitats.”
Jango arrived at Zoo Knoxville around two months ago from Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, but it was only publicly announced on March 26.
Since humans raised Jango, he is more willing to interact with humans than other tigers in captivity. Boulger explained that Jango is typically willing to work with his keepers.
“So he is a really typically motivated tiger — he does want to learn things,” Boulger said. “He can be very personable, so we see a little bit more behaviors towards people that are inappropriate for a tiger to have. Like cheek rubbing towards us and pushing towards us.”
Boulger shared that zookeepers like herself have been working to make the transition to Zoo Knoxville as seamless as possible over the past two months.
“We start with one yard at a time to make sure that he’s comfortable with these new features in the yard that he’s not used to, like a waterfall and those big pools,” Boulger said. “But he’s been transitioning really well. It’s a big move for him and for our other tigers as well, but we’re keeping a close monitor on everyone and everyone’s behaviors.”
Malayan tigers, which are only found in the forests of Peninsular Malaysia, are apex predators whose survival is key to maintaining ecological balance. Their natural habitat is shrinking due to deforestation and industrialization. This industrialization is widely due to the expansion of the oil palm plantations. Boulger shared that one way for consumers to help Malayan tigers is by using the PalmOil Scan app to ensure all products are sustainable.
The SSP is a science-driven program used to manage breeding and genetics for endangered animals that are being held in human care. Transferring animals like Jango to new homes where their genetics are most needed helps the SSP build healthy and stable populations that could aid the efforts to reintroduce species into the wild. Zoo Knoxville encourages the public to visit Jango in the tiger forest exhibit, where they can see him up close and learn about the threats his species faces. Seeing endangered species in person can be a crucial experience that turns curiosity into compassion and action.
Although Jango’s natural habitat is thousands of miles away from Knoxville, his journey is a reminder that conservation is a global responsibility that begins with education, awareness and the willingness to protect the remaining animals.
Review: Neal Shusterman’s ‘Arc of the Scythe’ trilogy redefines life, death, everything in between
KACIE BURNS Staff Writer
Since its debut, Neal Shusterman’s “Arc of the Scythe” trilogy has been praised for its unique and haunting ideas of dystopia. As of November 2024, a television show of the series is in the works, resurging readers’ interest in this world nine years after its original release.
This young adult series is set in the future, where death has been eliminated, disease has been cured and the cloud has evolved into an allknowing AI named the Thunderhead. Humans have become immortal, capable of setting back their age to as young as 21, whenever and however many times they wish.
However, death is possible. The only way for people to die is by official execution, known as gleaning, from a scythe. Scythes are people tasked with the job of keeping the Earth’s population under control, and the story follows two 16-year-olds who are training to become scythes.
Book one, “Scythe,” introduces us to Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, who are training under the renowned Scythe Faraday. This book excels at worldbuilding and provides an emotional arc that balances detachment from death, moral questions and classic teenager
vulnerability.
Terranova and Damisch are thrown headfirst into the politics and corruption of the Scythedom. The plot twists and hidden secrets are extremely clever, making it hard to put down.
In book two, “Thunderhead,” everything changes. New characters are introduced, the Thunderhead’s inner monologue is explored and the world’s scope expands dramatically.
The Thunderhead, which was no more than a silent and unseen tool in book one, becomes a true character. It is forced to watch humanity crumble without the capability to intervene — the Thunderhead is not allowed to communicate with scythes.
This book explores powerlessness and hopelessness in a way that is unique to dystopian fiction.
Terranova and Damisch have now completed their apprenticeship, but the struggles have only just begun. They grow stronger, the stakes intensify and “Thunderhead” ends with a cliffhanger so bold and unthinkable that it will leave readers questioning everything.
The trilogy’s finale, “The Toll,” takes place three years after the ending of “Thunderhead,” and the world looks very different. Silence, lies and unchecked power are running rampant.
Characters introduced in “Thunderhead,”
such as Greyson Tolliver, take on a much larger role in the third book, shifting the narrative from personal rebellion to societal reckoning.
The Thunderhead’s role evolves in “The Toll” into something almost divine — the mythology deepens and politics are messier than ever before. The ending to this series is nothing close to simple, but it is powerful and unexpected.
Some readers have complained that “The Toll” is paced much slower than the previous books, focusing heavily on philosophical questions. This ambitious writing choice is not for everyone, but it adds further depth to a world that has to redefine itself.
The “Arc of the Scythe” trilogy does not just tell a story — it asks readers important questions. What makes life valuable when death is not guaranteed? And what happens to humanity when it outgrows mortality? These themes are embedded in every page, not only entertaining readers but making way for ethical inquiry.
The character arcs are equally as compelling. Terranova transforms throughout the series into a beacon of hope and a moral force of nature. While Damisch descends into darkness, what is more important is how he finds his way back.
Romance in this series is not the central focus, but it does provide emotional grounding for
readers. Terranova and Damisch’s relationship evolves through sacrifice and shared trauma while never overwhelming the narrative. It does, however, keep these characters anchored in their humanity when it is their job to kill. By the end, “Arc of the Scythe” is more than your typical dystopian young adult series. It is a philosophical epic, a study of mortality, governance and the soul of humanity in a world that has conquered death but not consequence.
Ranking: 4/5
Staff Writer, Kacie Burns reviews Neil Shusterman’s ‘Arc of the Scythe’ trilogy that recently began television production. Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Emma Caskill / The Daily Beacon
Opinion: Hometown Habits: Redefining where home ends, begins
couldn’t provide, but I remember how little I am from Knoxville every time I go home for break.
For students in the throws of the spring semester, coming back to campus after break can feel like entering another world. For some of us, the work never stopped and our hometowns are simply a change of scenery.
Returning home often simulates a bit of whiplash, especially when it’s sandwiched between a long to-do list.
However, on campuses like the University of Tennessee’s, hometowns can be a tricky thing. We’ve all trained ourselves with some kind of response in small talk about our backgrounds. But it’s hard to convey a place like a hometown to someone who might have never even heard of it.
“Where are you from?” seems like a fairly straightforward question, but I always hesitate to answer. My response is less trained than others.
I’m not from Knoxville, but I’m not from anywhere far out either. In fact, my hometown is just a single county over, so I tend to alternate my answers depending on who I’m talking to.
For those more local, I might mention my town more specifically, mentioning a few landmarks to direct them to the place I’ve called home for so long. For those less familiar with rural East Tennessee, however, I tend to settle on something more central to Knoxville.
Sure, I did grow up venturing to Knoxville for anything I needed that the local Walmart
The space between home and campus can feel like a long chasm, no matter the real distance between the two. Whether it be the people belonging to each location, the culture or simply the surroundings, campus tends to form a bubble around us that shuts off much of the outside world.
When I go back to my hometown, I almost can’t believe that I ever left. The same houses adorn street corners and the fields change with the seasons as they always have, reminding me of how permanent a place like “home” can feel and how lucky I am to experience it.
There’s always one or two things that jut out from this usual familiarity. I hear about a new Dutch Bros being put in on the main street, something that used to feel so “big city” to me, or maybe about someone I knew from high school recently getting married.
The most disorienting part of being back in my hometown is when “home” gains another meaning. I find myself mentioning the word in reference to my on-campus dorm rather than the room I grew up in, an act of betrayal to my nostalgic tendencies.
This is always followed by a pause, a freeze in my demeanor, as I look up to see if anyone caught my slip up. It’s almost worse when no one questions it. Is my hometown truly my home now?
My short-lived identity crisis usually ends when I return to the Knoxville bubble. I fall back into academics and the chaos of the spring semester, focusing on the release of weekends rather than the subconscious pull to return “home.”
Everyone has different connections to where they grew up, whether that be in one place or many, but I think remnants of this odd feeling will always linger as we try to find our way through a higher education and onward.
For now, though, I’ll keep this nostalgia close to heart as a reminder that my hometown will
always be there, even if I find it in the people I love more than the place itself.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
SADIE SELF Columnist
Columnist Sadie Self says, “The space between home and campus can feel like a long chasm, no matter the real distance between the two.” Ansley Graves/ The Daily Beacon
Sadie Self is a sophomore at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at sself7@vols.utk.edu.
Opinion: 23 life lessons in 23 years
MARISSA HUNT Columnist
Have you ever wished for a realistic toolkit to help you navigate life? I know I have. In my 23 years, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experiences, and I’m excited to share 23 valuable life lessons that I’ve learned (and continue to learn) along the way.
I hope these insights can become an essential part of your own life toolkit.
Invest in yourself:
The fearful thoughts of “Can I do it? Will I succeed?” are common concerns we all deal with. Whether big or small, investing in yourself is always going to be a wager you’re bound to win. You’ll never know until you try. My mom and dad have always encouraged me to invest in myself — it’s a lesson I’ll always honor.
Speak up for yourself: Be your own advocate. My dad has always taught me that you have to get comfortable with speaking up for yourself in all situations.
Rest is productive: In today’s culture, we’re told to “hustle” by over-extending ourselves, over-booking our schedules and continuously stacking up accolades. True productivity comes when you allow yourself to slow down.
Self care is true love: “Self-love is the best love,” R&B singer Ari Lennox said. I’m a firm believer in selfcare and giving yourself grace. Whether that be treating yourself to a bowl of ice cream or spending time reading and listening to music. Giving back to yourself is the best type of love.
You don’t need to over-apologize: If you’re like me then you tend to overapologize randomly. This habit is more common in women, and it’s one we must consciously work to break because it diminishes one’s self-assurance.
Growth is not linear: There’s no single model for measuring growth. We grow each and every day by the moment.
Go at your own pace: I’m starting my university journey at 23. I also got my driver’s license at 21 instead of the societally accepted age of 16. At times, it’s tough to feel like you’re “behind” or that everyone’s “ahead.” Our society tells us we have to experience certain things by certain ages, but everyone’s pace is unique. Everything happens for a reason: You might not know the reason until you’re standing in it.
Money comes and goes: This is a lesson I’m learning from my mom. I’ve always been worried about
money, so much so that I hoard every dollar I make. Money comes and money goes.
Network and build connections:
Building friendships, meeting new people, joining clubs and organizations, introducing yourself to your professors and simply chatting with others will create a network of connections you always have.
It’s OK to outgrow people, places, hobbies, etc:
Just because you’ve always loved something or excelled at something does not mean you have to continue nurturing it if you’ve outgrown it. Our needs and desires are always evolving and with that our surroundings as well.
Your story can inspire others:
I’ve always been afraid to be vulnerable. There’s a past version of myself peeking through her eyes in horror that I’ve shared so much with my SEC university, but even if one person hears my story and feels heard or seen, that’s the best gift. Be brave and share your story — you matter, and your story could be the breakthrough someone else needs.
Celebrate yourself:
This is something I’m still working on and I encourage you to as well. Celebrate all of your accomplishments.
There is so much more life to live:
I often get worried that time is racing by. At the end of the day, we still have so much life to live and so many future versions of ourselves to meet which is exciting.
Don’t be afraid to experience things solo:
I’ve attended many basketball games and various campus events alone since moving to UT this semester. A few years ago I was afraid of doing things alone, but I’ve discovered the true fear lies in missing out on experiences. I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on singing “Enter Sandman” by Metallica and swag surfing with fellow classmates at Food City Center during basketball games.
You’re allowed to reinvent yourself and your dreams:
It’s alright for your dreams to change. We’re always evolving.
There’s no such thing as starting over, only starting anew:
Every experience teaches a new lesson. It’ll all work out:
My grandfather always said “It’ll all work out.” My mom reminds me of this statement often.
Hard work and determination equals success:
My parents have instilled in me the value of hard work and determination. With grit, you can do anything.
Trust your instincts:
You know yourself better than anyone, so trust yourself.
Shift your perspective:
This is a hard concept to execute — I’m still working on it, but by shifting your perspective, you can aid your brain in rewiring your thoughts more positively.
Protect your peace:
The phrase “If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive” is easier said than done. Sometimes, there are things we don’t enjoy but must do. As a people-pleaser, I understand how tough it can be to set firm boundaries, and I’m gradually working toward affirming this lesson. When it’s difficult, I try to spend time outside or do small things I love, like coloring and enjoying my own company. These little moments go a long way in enforcing boundaries.
No such thing as a life that’s better than yours:
One of the greatest lessons, as taught by the legendary rapper J. Cole in his song “Love Yourz,” is the importance of embracing and loving your life as it is. It’s a lesson I hope to always honor.
I hope this advice brings you comfort and optimism. We’re all in the same boat of life, so let’s row together.
In columnist Marissa Hunt’s 20th lesson of her 23 life lessons, she says, “Trust your instincts: You know yourself better than anyone, so trust yourself.” Ansley Graves / The Daily Beacon
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
Marissa Hunt is a junior at UT studying journalism. She can be reached at mhunt44@vols.utk.
Lady Vols tennis drops on Senior Day in final stages of match to Auburn
THEO COLLI Staff Writer
Sunday’s meeting against Auburn began with Senior Day honors at Goodfriend Tennis Center for Lady Vols tennis. Senior Elza Tomase was honored for her four years of work at Tennessee.
Despite staying in the match, the efforts were not enough as Auburn defeated Tennessee, 4-2, to spoil the Lady Vols’ (15-5, 9-4 SEC) Senior Day celebration.
Lady Vols tennis loses to Auburn: How it happened
The doubles round saw the same duo pairings from Friday’s matchup against Florida. Court 1 featured Tomase with Maeve Thornton. Court 2 held Leyla Britez Risso and Catherine Aulia, while court three saw the freshman tandem of Conley Raidt and Saray Yli-Piipari go to work.
Aulia and Britez Risso had dropped just one doubles match the entire season at the hands of LSU in March. Sunday’s meeting against Auburn’s (20-5, 9-4 SEC) Merna Refaat and Angella Okutoyi ended in a 6-4 battle in favor of the Tigers, giving the pair their second loss this season.
Court 3 ended shortly after. Raidt and YliPiipari dropped their court, and the final was scored 6-3.
After Auburn jumped out to an early lead, the Lady Vols needed to steal four singles wins to avoid dropping the contest.
Following the conclusion of doubles, Tomase decided to leave some of her best for last in singles as she downed No. 3 ranked singles player DJ Bennett in a quick two-set win, scored 6-0 and 6-1.
“She was fantastic,” Tennessee head coach Alison Ojeda said. “If you were to ask her what’s her favorite part of the game, she’s going to say serving big, playing solid off the ground and getting on and off the court, and that’s what she did against one of the best players in the country.”
Tomase, in her four years at Tennessee, posted a career total of 95 singles wins with the Lady Vols. Along with the wins, she earned two second-team SEC honors in 2022 and 2024, and one first-team selection in 2023.
“It truly means a lot to me,” Tomase said. “I’ve grown a lot and competed hard for every single team I’ve been on here. It’s been really fun to be out here and just to give it your all.”
Bennett, who ranked third in the nation in singles play, now serves as Tomase’s highestranked singles win in her career. It was the way to end the final game of her final regular season.
Tomase knotted the game back at one, and Raidt kept the ball rolling at court 5 as she de-
feated Ava Esposito in two sets, scoring 6-0 and 6-3.
“For Conley to go out there, having worked on what we’ve been working on the last week and then perform the way she did is fantastic,” Ojeda said. “Especially when her opponent is very good, and made a push in that second set.”
The two wins gave the Lady Vols their first lead of the day, but it wouldn’t hold for long as Auburn claimed the next two courts.
Angella Okutoyi defeated Aulia on Court 2 in just two sets of work. The final score for each game finished 6-1 in favor of the Tigers. The run continued on Court 6 after Yli-Piipari dropped 6-4 and 6-1 to Auburn’s Alice Battesti.
The 2-0 Auburn run put the Tigers back in the driver’s seat with a 3-2 lead with just two courts left standing, leaving Britez Risso and junior Vanesa Suarez with the match to be decided.
Both battled deep into their second sets, as Suarez even pushed Court 4 all the way to set three. Despite the effort, Ava Hrastar’s win on Court 3 over Britez Risso ended any chance of a comeback.
The Lady Vols have wrapped up their home schedule, but have two more contests on the road before postseason play kicks into high gear.
“I think when we play these types of
teams, they’re going to dig in and go for what they want,” Ojeda said. “We’ve just gotta stay focused. We don’t need to add errors from our end, making it easier for them.”
Elza Tomase shouts after winning a point against Auburn at Goodfriend Tennis Center. Sunday, Apil 6, 2025. Malachi Jackson / Contributor
1. Elza Tomase cheers before a game against Florida at Barksdale Stadium. Friday, April 4, 2025.
Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
2. Vanesa Suarez cheers before a game against Florida at Barksdale Stadium. Friday, April 4, 2025.
Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
3. Conley Raidt serves during a game against Florida at Barksdale Stadium. Friday, April 4, 2025.
Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
4. Catherine Aulia waits for the return during a game against Florida at Barksdale Stadium. Friday, April 4, 2025.
Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
5. Saray Yli-Piipari hits a serve against Florida at Barksdale Stadium. Friday, April 4, 2025.
Malachi Jackson / Contributor
6. Elza Tomase swings during a game against Florida at Barksdale Stadium. Friday, April 4, 2025.
Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
Tennessee softball responds to run-rule loss, wins second game of doubleheader
THEO COLLI Staff Writer
The Lady Vols showed the good, bad and ugly during their Saturday doubleheader against Mississippi State. Tennessee and Mississippi State split their two games Saturday. The Lady Vols began the day with a 12-4, run-rule loss to the Bulldogs before winning the series with an 8-0, five-inning triumph.
“I’m just so proud of them,” Weekly said. “We won game two during game one. We never quit, we never stopped fighting, we never got flat. And because of that, we were able to keep that energy flowing into game two.”
The Lady Vols dug themselves a hole after just a half-inning, giving up eight runs to the Bulldogs immediately. Two of the eight runs took place after the first two batters of the day went yard against Erin Nuwer.
After allowing two more runners on base, Weekly opted to put in Sage Mardjetko. She faced seven batters, hitting two and allowing two walks while also giving up a pair of base hits. Mardjetko’s one out came by forcing a
groundout to short.
The Lady Vols called on Peyton Tanner, who handled the remaining 5.2 innings. She got out of the inning quickly, a testament to her competitiveness.
“Peyton did a great job in that game,” Karlyn Pickens said. “It’s not easy to come into a situation like that, but she gave us a chance that we could come back and win that game.”
Despite Tanner’s efforts, the Lady Vols didn’t complete the comeback in the first game. The offense mustered six hits compared to Mississippi State’s 10.
All Tennessee’s offense needed was a 40-minute break. Despite running out the same lineup, the Lady Vols had a much more aggressive attack. Tennessee loaded the bases in the first inning but didn’t score.
Tennessee’s offense started to gain momentum in the second inning. After the first two batters were sat down, Gabby Leach began the two-out rally after being hit by a pitch. Saviya Morgan and Kinsey Fiedler followed the play with back-to-back singles, and Fiedler’s hit drove home Leach for the game’s first run.
The next batter, Taylor Pannell,
cleared the bases with a home run to left, giving Tennessee a 4-0 lead. While there seemed to be a shift, Tennessee’s energy stayed high throughout both games.
“That’s where we need to have to just get a little bit better at maintaining that focus,” Weekly said. “Never feeling like we gave away an at-bat.”
The energy stayed up with the very next batter, McKenna Gibson, hitting a solo home run. The two-out rally gave the Lady Vols to a 5-0 lead.
Gabby Leach was responsible for all three remaining runs. In the third inning she laid down a bunt that scored Laura Mealer. Due to an error, Ella Dodge also scored.
With the lead at 7-0 in the fifth inning, the Lady Vols needed just one more run to end the game by run-rule. Leach, with two outs and the bases empty, sent a ball to left center, no doubt for a walkoff home run.
“She’s her own worst enemy,” Weekly said. “She can be hard on herself, and when she just goes out and plays and doesn’t judge herself with every single pitch, she can do some really cool things.”
From being run-ruled just 40 minutes before run-riling the same team, today’s game spoke volumes about the team’s energy and resilience.
Tennessee rowing sweeps Rocky Top Invite, earns first win of season
JACK CHURCH
Assistant Sports Editor
Tennessee rowing swept the inaugural Rocky Top Invite in its second race of the season Saturday.
The No. 5 Lady Vols started the season somewhat slow, getting swept by No. 2 Stanford. They responded well, winning every race both days in Oak Ridge and capturing the Volunteer Cup.
Tennessee spent last season climbing the rankings, eventually finishing 3rd in the NCAA Championships. This year, they started at the top.
“When you have success the year before, you have to really bring them back to the basics and racing well,” Tennessee head coach Kim Cupini said. “Focusing on being at home and really putting down some good times.”
Tennessee’s 1v8, coxed by Patricia Menendez, started the day off strong for the Lady Vols. The boat beat UCF by over eight seconds to give the Lady Vols their opening win of the day. Taryn Graves coxed the 2v8 boat to a five-second win over Duke.
The Lady Vols have their top two boats led by freshmen a year after having them both led by fifth-year seniors. Cupini has
faith in her first-year athletes in such a big position, one where they can grow over the course of their careers.
“It’s really cool to be working with them, to come along with us,” Cupini said. “So that’s pretty awesome, but they’re learning.”
The 1v4 and 2v4 boats both picked up wins for the Lady Vols. The top four boat beat Duke by three seconds, and the second four earned a five-second win.
Tennessee’s 3v8 boat proved Tennessee’s strength throughout its boats. It kept the potential sweep going for the Lady Vols, beating Duke and North Carolina by over 10 seconds.
“It’s so easy to lose in one event,” Cupini said. “So when you sweep, one thing I’m reminded of is we have such a strong team.”
Tennessee’s 4v8 got a chance to race Saturday, taking on Clemson’s 3v8 boat in the B final. The Lady Vols beat the Tigers by over three seconds, a major win for that boat.
One of Tennessee’s best assets this season is its culture. The Lady Vols are strong throughout their boats, and rowers are always looking for a strong performance and to move up. At the same time, the team always remains encouraging, even when competing.
“They’re super competitive, but they always support each other,” Cupini said. “They always joke around. I hear these horror stories with other teams where people are really putting each other down to get up into the top boats. They are super supportive, which is really awesome, and they’re just really happy for each other.”
That encouragement could have been tested in the last race of the day when the 4v4 beat the 3v4. It wasn’t, and the whole team celebrated the win — and both boats beating North Carolina.
Early in the season, Tennessee’s lineups are changing regularly. From the Stanford loss to the Rocky Top Invite a week later, Cupini made four changes to her 1v8 lineup, including at coxswain.
“It’s early season, so we don’t stress on the lineups too much with some of the boats and then you always have people go out for sicknesses,” Cupini said. “We have a kid out for sickness, so it does have the trickle-down effect, so you’re always putting together lineups really quick.”
Gabby Leach (55) bats during a game against Mississippi State at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Saturday, April 5, 2025. Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
Patricia Menendez coxswains Tennessee’s 1v8 boat during the Rocky Top Invite at Melton Hill Lake. Friday, April 4, 2025. Bailey Beller / Contributor
