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The Daily Beacon

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Volume 146, Issue 11

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Wednesday, April 09, 2025

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@utkdailybeacon

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 09, 2025

DAILY BEACON STAFF AND POLICY INFORMATION

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Shelby Wright MANAGING EDITOR: Caden Dyer COPY CHIEF: Emily Hurst NEWS EDITOR: Samantha Whitley ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Emma Caskill SPORTS EDITOR: Trevor McGee ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR: Jack Church OPINIONS EDITOR: Ansley Graves PHOTO EDITOR: Ericksen Gomez-Villeda DESIGN EDITOR: Chandler Dixon ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Sarah Portanka AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT EDITOR: Sophie

Mehta

COVER DESIGN: Chandler Dixon PAGE DESIGNERS: Emma Fingeret, Jibril Foronas,

Ashley Cammarota, Abigail Thompson, Connor Durso

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Stromatt

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTISTS: Donatella

Thomas

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The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee on Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. The offices are located at 1345 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year or $100/semester. It is also available online at: www.utdailybeacon.com

4 international UT students, community members have had SEVIS status changed, at risk for deportation STAFF REPORT 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

Shelby Wright / The Daily Beacon

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

NEWS

Wednesday, April 09, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

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UTK Wellness Society: New national program introduced at UT SAMANTHA WHITLEY News Editor The University of Tennessee introduced a new club that prides itself on prioritizing health for students while balancing academics — UTK Wellness Society.

Students need to focus on their overall health as the transition to college comes with several challenges and can potentially introduce mental health issues.

UT admin approved the new UTK Wellness Society on April 1, 2025. Courtesy of Ali Scileppi, Mia Trotta. Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon

According to a 2023 national survey by the American College Health Association, almost 80% of students had high or moderate stress levels in the past 30 days.

Ali Scileppi, a sophomore studying kinesiology, is the founder and president of the program.

“I’m incredibly passionate about helping students find a healthy balance between academics and personal well-being, and I saw this as an opportunity to make a real impact,” Scileppi said. “I wanted to create a space with more resources and support for students, especially during the tough transition into college life.”

Her passion for finding harmony between college and classes derived from personal challenges during her freshman year.

“That experience is what drives me to build something meaningful here,” Scileppi said.

“I truly believe this club will give students the support, structure and community they need to feel more grounded and balanced throughout their college journey.”

This club serves as a supportive space where students can take time for themselves, connect with others and take care of their mental and physical health.

Mia Trotta is a sophomore studying marketing and is the vice president of marketing for the club.

“Personally, I decided to become a part of

this club because working out and nutrition are a major part of my lifestyle,” Trotta said.

“In the past year, I have really focused on my diet and a well-rounded workout. Being able to promote my well-being while enjoying the company of my best friends and other members of our community really interested me.”

As UT has several clubs that prioritize overall wellness, UTK Wellness Society offers something special since they are a national program — the club has more access to large networks of resources and support.

“We receive guidance and materials directly from the national board, including wellness toolkits, event templates, sponsorship resources and branding support,” Scileppi said. “This gives us the ability to create highquality programming and offer students consistent, impactful opportunities for personal growth. The Wellness Society also connects us with chapters across the country, which opens the door for collaboration, idea sharing and staying inspired by what’s working at other schools.”

The UTK Wellness Society was formed in February 2025. Scileppi and Trotta were determined to make this club official as they went to several meetings with the Student Engagement Center and recruited members to make up their executive board.

“In mid-March, we opened executive

positions applications and now have an internal board of seven girls and an external board of over 30 girls. One of these positions includes a position Ali specifically created called ‘sorority ambassadors,’” Trotta said.

“They are responsible for spreading the word about our club and events within their chapter. We are working on creating a fraternal consultant team right now, in hopes of spreading the word to IFC members.”

The IFC members’ responsibility is to promote the club and events within their chapter. The club is also in the process of creating a fraternal consultant team.

As this club was just initiated, it has already made a meaningful contribution on campus.

According to Trotta, the club’s GroupMe has over 750 members and their Instagram has 1,000 followers.

“We are just so excited to get started with events and see how we can continue to grow,” Trotta said. “It is amazing to see the impact and outreach we have already had without even hosting an event yet. Taking a step back and seeing what Ali and I have already accomplished almost brings tears to my eyes.

I am beyond proud of Ali for this, and I am so grateful she asked me to be a part of it.”

Find out more information about this club on their Instagram.

Weekly Campus Crime Log INCIDENT DESCRIPTION

DATE / REPORT

TIME OCCURED

LOCATION

DISPOSITION

Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use, Unlawful Drug

04/07/25 1925

04/07/25 1925

3116 Lakemoore Station Way

Active

Indecent Exposure (x2)

04/06/25 0406

04/06/25 0406

Fab Lab

Arrest

Assault

04/05/25 0220

04/05/25 0220

G11 Parking Garage

Person Checked Ok

Stalking

04/04/25 1312

March 2025 - Present (Unknown Time)

Stokely Hall

*CSA Report

Drug Law Violation

04/03/25 2100

04/03/25 2100

Hess Hall

No Police Action

Liquor Law Violation (x8)

04/02/25 1046

2/20/25 (Unknown Time)

Massey Hall

Judicial Referral

DUI, Pedestrians on roadways, Lights required on motor vehicles, Driving on wrong side of road, stop, stand, park prohibited specific places, No DL, Resisting stop halt frisk, Confiscation

04/01/25 0122

04/01/25 0122

Henley St at Western Ave

Arrest

Domestic Violence (x2)

03/31/25 0947

3/10/25 (Unknown Time)

Stokely Hall

*CSA Report

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NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 09, 2025

3 healthier alternatives to standard caffeinated beverages HARRISON ING Staff Writer 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

boost with fewer negative health effects.

Matcha 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.

— so there’s no need to add anything. It is commonly used as a quick, portable dietary supplement.

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

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 NICHOLAS WRIGHT Staff Writer 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

science and psychology, talked about why he feels this event, and others like it, are important.

“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

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 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.

NEWS

Wednesday, April 09, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

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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.

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NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Meet your leaders Newly elected SGA candidates vow to improve student government SHELBY WRIGHT Editor-in-Chief Students have spoken and the new leaders of the University of Tennessee’s Student Government Association have been chosen.

After the polls closed Friday evening, the results revealed a record-breaking tally of over 5,000 student votes, compared to last year’s 1,700 votes for SGA candidates.

For the first time in SGA history at UT, students running for election did not have to run on a campaign team per the previous SGA administration’s changes to the SGA constitution. Now, students could run independently with a team.

Also, students who had never been in SGA before were allowed to cast their names on the ballot.

This campaign season was very competitive because of these changes to the SGA constitution. Last year, all the Top Five SGA leaders ran unopposed, but not this time.

Chase Darwin, the now student body president-elect, took home 57.28% of the vote against competitors Avery Combs and Ella Krull. This surprised many, as Darwin had never been involved in SGA before but has been an active campus leader for the past few years.

“I spent my time not involved in SGA, but I spent my time kind of involved in other assets on campus. And from that, I kind of saw the opportunity with SGA, and I saw the disconnect that some students felt between SGA and the student body,” Darwin said. “After talking with some students who had previously been involved in SGA — or were involved in SGA — we started to think of ideas in ways we could bridge the gap between SGA and the entire student body.”

Darwin is a rising senior majoring in marketing, and has previously been a UT Ambassador and served on the executive team for fraternity Sigma Nu as their Brotherhood/Mental Health Chair. Darwin also spends his free time coaching a youth baseball team, who were all very eager to congratulate him on his win Friday night.

“I really want to be able to remind students that SGA is not here just to represent SGA, to represent the entire student body, and everyone is a part of SGA.” Darwin said.

Darwin’s campaign used the slogan #DoMoreWithDarwin, which seemed to

strike a chord with students. Similarly, the now Student Body Vice PresidentElect, Ella Blair, used the slogan “Ellavate with Ella” and based her campaign on three core values — transparency, visibility and unity.

“As someone that has been in this organization for three years, I’ve really seen us make a lot of great strides and bettering the campus for students,” Blair said. “But I’ve also been able to see areas where we can improve. So my hope for the role is to really focus on what we’re doing internally and make sure we’re improving that so that way we can better serve students.”

Blair won the majority vote against candidates Jack Bulmer and Jaxson Berg by 56.35%.

Blair is a rising senior majoring in history and political science who has been very active in the campus community.

As a member of Delta Zeta sorority, she has served as the vice president of programming and finance and is also a UT Ambassador.

Blair has been heavily involved in SGA. This past year, she has served as the Panhellenic Senator and First-Year Council Legislative Support Committee Chair. She is also a member of the Government Affairs Committee that advocates for legislation for the university at the state level.

Previously, she served as a College of Arts and Sciences Senator and was on the First-Year Council.

Blair has worked on several legislative bills to help improve student experience, the most recent of which is the Sorority Village Resolution, which passed in December 2024.

For the past few years, Sorority Village has had a security issue. Members have been digging a hole underneath part of the fence near the back of the village so that they do not have to walk all the way around to the main entrance on a hot summer’s day or late at night.

“It was a huge security issue because just anyone can get into the sorority village, and if they wanted to, they could just slide under this hole in the fence,” Blair said. “And it was very obvious that even the university knew this was an issue because every year they would come fill it up with dirt, people would dig it out again.”

Currently, there’s a big log in front of the hole, and now, people are digging

The newly elected leaders of the University of Tennessee’s Student Government Association.

Chase Darwin, student body president elect (left), Ella Blair, student body vice president elect (middle) and Campbell Butler, newly elected Speaker of the Senate (right). Courtesy of Ella Blair

a new one right next to it, according to Blair.

However, thanks to Blair’s lobbying efforts with the UT administration, a second pedestrian entrance will be built in Sorority Village this coming summer, and it will be accessible by scanning your VolCard.

This semester, Blair has also helped propose bills to increase meal equivalency to $8 and to have the university implement online appointment scheduling services within the Student Health Center patient portal.

Alongside Darwin and Blair’s victories, Campbell Butler also made SGA history.

Butler is the first Speaker of the Senate to be elected by the student body.

Previously, the Speaker was always an appointed position, and although Butler ran unopposed, she still received over 4,000 votes from students — more than any candidate on the ballot.

Butler, a rising junior studying civil engineering, ran her campaign on the three core values of structure, resource and community.

“I think that there are things we could improve within the Senate body, which will help us improve and uplift the student body. Something that I’m really passionate about is improving the community within SGA,” Butler said.

“But I know that a lot of people in the Senate feel a disconnect to the community this past year, and I really want to seek to reverse that, and have, you know, equal parts work and play.”

Butler has been in SGA since her

freshman year as a Senate member for the Tickle College of Engineering. Last year, she ran for her seat again through the current Student Body President Dante Grayson’s promise campaign.

She has worked on a few bills, but this past year she told the Beacon that she is most proud of the CPR Bill that just passed and the Bus Bill, which created a program that would provide shuttles from campus to McGhee Tyson Airport.

“Through that bill, we were able to work with parking and transportation and create a pilot program that has been implemented,” Butler said. “And so that has been a really successful piece of legislation that came out of the Senate, and probably my most successful project.”

Looking forward, all newly elected candidates and senators seem hopeful for the future of SGA, and want all students to know that their doors are always open and they are willing to listen to any concerns students and staff may have. SGA’s office is located in the Student Union in Suite 174.

Each newly elected candidate will be sworn in at a ceremony on April 23, but meetings and preparations for the next year have already begun, according to Darwin.

“I’m ready to hit the ground running,” Darwin said. “I think that you know my various leadership roles and involvement all throughout campus, as well as my relationships with the current SGA members and university administrators, have really prepared me well to take on this role.”

NEWS

Wednesday, April 09, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

The Weekly Crossword

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Flows back 15 16 14 5 Washington's 18 19 17 portraitist 10 "Fernando" 22 20 21 group 14 Romance novel23 24 25 ist Roberts 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 15 Wall climbers 16 Golfer's need 34 35 36 33 17 ___-clad 37 38 39 40 18 Cartoonish portrait 42 43 44 41 20 Like some humor 47 48 46 22 Still in the outbox 45 23 Black tie is one 49 50 26 Coffeehouse 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 packets 28 Forsaker of the 58 61 59 60 faith 63 64 62 33 Mia in "Pulp Fiction" 66 67 65 34 Coconut meat 36 Mortise's mate Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate 37 Treat poorly 39 Falcons, on 65 Runs into 9 Old Portuguese 35 King protectors scoreboards 66 Healing plants money 38 Small pouch 40 Flip response?

67 First Lady of 10 Plays a part 43 Walks unsteadily 41 Meat avoider Song 11 Down in the 46 Sumerian god42 Trash dumps dess of love 44 Singer Rawls DOWN 12 Get too much 48 Get some air 45 Constructing, as 1 "National Velvet" sun 50 Rapp of "Mean a building author Bagnold 13 Assist illegally Girls" 47 Good-for2 Snoozefest 19 Numbing drug 51 Miles off nothing 3 Railroad track 21 Data ranking 52 Vessel of 1492 49 Adding to width term 53 Dismal 51 Bassett of 4 Justice 24 Hauling charge 54 Snaky "Black Panther" O'Connor 25 Milky gems swimmers 55 Art done with 5 "Guernica" 26 Smooth-tongued 56 Polish place? acid painter 27 Brownish color 57 Actress 58 Shade of red 6 Captain America 29 Three-way joint Gershon 61 Smooties berry portrayer Chris 30 Having similarity 59 "For Me and My 62 Indigo dye 7 It can be fresh 31 Big fusses ___" 63 Finger-pointer or hot 32 Follow as a 60 "If you ask me," 64 "Nail" anagram 8 Waikiki welcome result in a text

PREVIOUS

WEEK’S

SOLUTION RYAN OSBORN Cartoonist

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OPINIONS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 09, 2025

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 SADIE SELF Columnist 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

couldn’t provide, but I remember how little I am from Knoxville every time I go home for break.

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.

Sadie Self is a sophomore at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at sself7@vols.utk.edu.

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.

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

OPINIONS

Wednesday, April 09, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

9

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

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

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.

Marissa Hunt is a junior at UT studying journalism. She can be reached at mhunt44@vols.utk.

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.

10

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 09, 2025

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

4 3

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.

1

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

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2

SPORTS

Wednesday, April 09, 2025 • The Daily Beacon

11

‘It’s baseball’: Tennessee baseball blitzed in series loss to Texas A&M TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor Tennessee baseball entered Saturday’s doubleheader riding an eight-game winning streak with 12 consecutive SEC series wins under its belt. The Vols were fresh off a nohitting, run-ruling effort the night before.

By the 11 o’clock hour on April 5, it all came to an end.

Texas A&M walked into Lindsey Nelson Stadium on a fateful Saturday afternoon and suffocated the No. 1 Vols for a pair of wins to claim the series, showing unseen life that resembled the squad that played for the national championship a year ago.

“It’s baseball,” head coach Tony Vitello said.

The visitors mashed 11 home runs across the two-game set, layering runs on Tennessee that had not been seen in seven years. Texas A&M’s 17 runs in the finale were the most since April 7, 2018, when Florida dropped 22 on the Vols.

That came after the Aggies stole a 9-3 win in the opener of the doubleheader.

It was the culmination of a number of miscues. From coaching mistakes to a pitching fall-apart, it was not Tennessee’s day at the ballpark.

“They beat us today in pretty much about every facet,” Vitello said. “Although you could take the time to analyze poor decisions.

Maybe a mistake at-bat, or this could have been better base running or pitching. But you know, it’s really simple. At the end of the day, they played better than we did.”

The first game of the day sent Marcus Phillips to the mound, but his outing was not as delightful as he would have wished.

Tennessee showed early life with a Dalton Bargo home run in the first inning, then the Aggies responded with their first blast of the day in the second.

From there, the game went back and forth with exchanging blows. Texas A&M added two more home runs across the fourth and fifth innings, before it all went south for Tennessee in the sixth. With two runners aboard and two outs recorded, Nate Snead induced a swing in an 0-2 count. The issue rose when the ball skipped away from Stone Lawless behind the plate, trickling to the Aggie dugout and scoring a run to give the visitors a 5-3 lead. Nothing went the Vols’ way from there.

Texas A&M continued to maul Tennessee’s pitching, adding four more runs over the remaining three innings to take the opening game. The Aggies rallied for 11 hits in the win.

Phillips allowed three homers in his 4.2 innings of work, which was one more than he allowed in his 35.2 innings accumulated this season. Dylan Loy worked a strikeout

Hunter Ensley (9) high-fives Reese Chapman (13) after hitting a home run during a game against Texas A&M at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Saturday, April 5, 2025. David Smith / Contributor on his lone batter faced before Snead was brought in as damage control. It was not limited, however, as his outing closed with four earned runs in his two innings. Brandon Arvidson dealt the final two innings, keeping the scorecard clean to close up the loss.

With 45 minutes to drown out the loss, the Vols needed to respond quickly.

As Tennessee sent freshman Tegan Kuhns to the mound, it allowed Texas A&M to set the momentum early. Kuhns tried setting the tone with two strikeouts against the first two batters, but then the Aggies rallied off a pair of hits to bring Bear Harrison to the plate. He made the freshman pay with a pitch down the middle, sending a three-run shot to the porches — evoking immediate danger.

“When we were in the middle of the plate, they made us pay,” Vitello said. “So there’s a lot to say was bad for us and we need to do a better job and we need to, like I said, be more determined.”

A power surge was imminent with one swing of the bat. The runs soon piled on.

Kuhns’ day ended in the midst of the third inning when the Aggies loaded the bases with two outs. His line closed with four earned runs while walking three batters and allowing four hits.

Brayden Krenzel emerged from the bullpen and was launched into the fire. He worked a strikeout to end the bases-loaded threat, but the Aggies had his number the next time he returned to the mound. After the Vols plated two runs in the home half of the inning, Texas A&M blew the doors open when it took to the plate. The Aggies tagged

Krenzel for four hits and five runs, blasting two more out of the park to make it a 9-2 ball game.

Krenzel was pulled in favor of Loy, but he was quickly touched up for a solo shot.

That’s when the Vols could all but raise the white flag. Three more pitchers followed Loy before the night concluded, but none could find success. Instead, it was the powerful bats in the Aggies’ lineup that came to life when the rest of the country had counted them out.

Brayden Sharp and Tanner Franklin were attributed a combined seven earned runs, with Austin Breedlove serving a 0.1-inning clean outing to close the book. Wyatt Henseler and Ben Royo each slugged two homers in the game, leading the way for 16 hits.

Across the two games, the Tennessee pitching staff surrendered 28 hits and 10 walks while giving up 25 earned runs. The marks were anything but usual for the nation’s top-ranked pitching staff.

“We’re still growing, I think as a total group, but there’s young players within that team and some guys got their first SEC action,” Vitello said. “So as they pile up reps, I think they’ll get better.”

At the plate, help was nowhere to be found. In game one, Tennessee’s offense went silent for a singular run over the final seven innings. Aside from Hunter Ensley’s three-run blast in the seventh inning of the second game, the Vols only mustered three runs across the remaining seven innings of the game.

As a trip to Ole Miss lingers as the next

series, the lull of the team cannot.

“You can’t go home and bang your head up against the wall,” Vitello said. “You got to see where we’re at with this season and then hope that we’re more determined than ever this week and we make it a good week.”

RYAN OSBORN Cartoonist

12

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 09, 2025

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.”

Gabby Leach (55) bats during a game against Mississippi State at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

Saturday, April 5, 2025. Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon

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.

Patricia Menendez coxswains Tennessee’s 1v8 boat during the Rocky Top Invite at Melton Hill Lake.

Friday, April 4, 2025. Bailey Beller / Contributor

“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.”