Lady Vols basketball struggles defensively against NC State, loses season opener 80-77

The Lady Vols basketball team opened their season with a close 80-77 loss to NC State, highlighting challenges on both ends of the court. Defensively, the team struggled to contain their opponent, which contributed to the narrow defeat. Offensively, the Lady Vols were unable to establish a consistent rhythm throughout the game, impacting their ability to secure a win. Despite their efforts, these issues prevented them from overcoming NC State's performance. The game underscored areas for improvement as the team moves forward in the season. This outcome sets a cautious tone for the Lady Vols as they seek to build momentum in upcoming matchups.