Tennessee moves up to No. 4, Florida rockets into top five in dominant SEC

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tennessee climbed to No. 4 in this week’s USA Today/NFCA coaches’ poll, as released on Tuesday.

Tennessee moved up two spots in the poll after starting the season at No. 6. The Lady Vols are 5-0 to start the season after sweeping last week’s games in the Red Desert Classic in St. George, Utah.

USA TODAY/NFCA COACHES’ POLL
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It is the seventh time in program history that UT has started the season 5-0. Tennessee earned wins against Southern Utah, Idaho State, Utah State, South Dakota and BYU.

The Lady Vols’ 18 runs scored in their 18-3, five-inning win against Southern Utah are the most scored by a UT squad in a season opener.

The team batted .424 through the first five games of the season and outscored opponents 53-8.

Junior Ellen Renfroe threw her second career no-hitter in a 10-0, five-inning win against Utah State on Friday.

Alabama remained at No. 1 in the poll with 21 first-place votes. Oklahoma is second with 10 first-place votes. Arizona State climbed up one spot to No. 3. Florida made a big jump from No. 14 to No. 5, giving the SEC three schools in the top five. The SEC has eight teams in the top 25.