When Tennessee’s volleyball team opens its 2021 campaign Friday against Appalachian State in an exhibition match at Thompson-Boling Arena, it will mark the first time the Lady Vols and Mountaineers have played since 2014.
Friday’s match will also be a homecoming for one of Knoxville’s most decorated high school players.
Appalachian State sophomore setter Sophie Cain returns to Knoxville after playing at West High School.
Cain was a three-time all-District 4-AAA standout for the Lady Rebels and was named Most Valuable Player as a senior.
She was voted Region 2-AAA MVP during the 2019 season when the Lady Rebels reached the region tournament championship.
During her freshman season with Appalachian State, Cain appeared in 14 games. She recorded 271 career assists and 88 digs.
She hit .205 and posted 15 kills for the Mountaineers last season.