Lady Vols Face Setback as Star Point Guard Remains Sidelined
Mia Pauldo's Continued Absence and Its Impact on the Team
Lady Vols point guard Mia Pauldo is set to miss her third consecutive game due to an injury. The freshman's name appeared on the initial SEC injury report on February 16th, confirming her unavailability for the crucial road game against No. 16 Ole Miss at SJB Pavilion. This ongoing absence marks a significant challenge for the No. 22 Tennessee team, as Pauldo has been a pivotal force in their offensive strategies and overall game flow.
Nya Robertson's Crucial Role Amidst Teammate's Injury
Adding to the team's concerns, Nya Robertson was also listed as questionable on the same injury report. However, Robertson has been a bright spot for the Lady Vols in Pauldo's absence, showcasing her scoring prowess with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting against Texas. Her ability to step up and contribute offensively will be vital as the team navigates through this period of player unavailability.
Details of Mia Pauldo's Injury and Recovery Timeline
Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Pauldo's injury, only stating that it occurred during the South Carolina game on February 8th. Pauldo, who was the leading scorer for Tennessee in conference play before the injury, had a challenging game against South Carolina, going scoreless after taking a hard hit early on. This incident followed another game at Georgia where she sustained multiple hard falls, including one that saw her hit her head on the court. The cumulative effect of these impacts likely contributed to her current sidelined status, with no immediate timeline for her return provided.
Mia Pauldo's Significant Contributions to the Lady Vols' Success
Pauldo's impact on the Lady Vols' performance cannot be overstated. Prior to her injury, she was averaging an impressive 11.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Her scoring average surged to 14.4 points in SEC play, making her one of the team's most reliable offensive options. Beyond her scoring, Pauldo is recognized as the Lady Vols' top ball handler and a player who consistently minimizes turnovers, highlighting her indispensable role in the team's dynamics.
Nya Robertson's Resurgence and Enhanced Performance
Nya Robertson experienced a period of inconsistent performance during the Lady Vols' initial nine SEC games. However, her play has significantly improved in the two games since Pauldo's injury. Robertson delivered a strong performance against Missouri with 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting, and followed it up with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting against Texas. Her season averages stand at eight points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 21.5 minutes, with shooting percentages of 35.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. This uplift in her game will be crucial for the Lady Vols as they continue to compete without their star point guar