Tennessee comes to Maples

Stanford’s timing could be better. On the heels of the Cardinal women’s stunning home loss to Western Illinois on Monday night, they play a Tennessee team off to its best start in 12 years.

The Lady Vols (11-0) are ranked No. 7, and they probably are eager for a win at Maples Pavilion on Thursday night, having lost their past five games there.

Stanford (6-5) is ranked No. 18 but is probably headed downward in next week’s poll unless it pulls an upset in the 6 p.m. game.

After losing to a midmajor team, “they’re going to be spitting nails, I’m sure,” Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick said.

The Lady Vols, who rolled 90-61 at Long Beach State on Sunday, have reached 100 points three times and have six players averaging at least 8.5 points, topped by Oregon natives Jaime Nared (17.0) and Mercedes Russell (16.9). A third Oregonian, guard Evina Westbrook, is one of two freshman starters, along with guard/forward Rennia Davis.

Warlick, who was an All-American at Tennessee, is in her sixth year as head coach. She was an assistant coach to the late Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt for 27 years.

Without Brittany McPhee, who has missed all but two games because of an injury, and DiJonai Carrington, who has missed the past two games, Stanford has just one player averaging more than 7.5 points, forward Alanna Smith (15.0).