No. 1 overall national seed Tennessee was without one of its most important starters for UT’s first game of the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Ahead of the Vols’ game against Alabama State in the Knoxville Regional, Tennessee announced that Evan Russell was not available to play. After the game, UT head coach Tony Vitello addressed Russell’s absence, revealing the standout catcher is sick.

Russell texted Vitello Friday morning, letting the coach know he is sick. The Vol skipper told reporters he did not know Russell’s status for Saturday.

Russell’s absence did not slow down the Vols Friday night. Charlie Taylor filled in at catcher, recording an RBI.

Tennessee took down Alabama State, the Knoxville Regional’s No. 4 seed, 10-0. UT will play Campbell in the winner’s bracket game Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.