Tennessee baseball is facing a critical moment in their season, and hitting coach Josh Elander has pinpointed the issue: the Vols are simply trying too hard. After a disappointing 8-1 loss to Ole Miss in Game 2, which clinched the series for the Rebels, Elander emphasized the need for his squad to relax and trust their process at the plate.

The Vols' offense has struggled to find its rhythm, managing just one run in the second game and showing difficulty capitalizing with runners in scoring position. Elander credited Ole Miss pitcher Cade Townsend, whom he called a "big-leaguer," for stifling Tennessee's lineup but stressed that internal adjustments are necessary. "We’re going to have to make some adjustments," Elander said. "I think a lot of it is guys just trying too hard. At some point, they have to relax and compete for their teammates."

With the series finale looming, Elander labeled it the "biggest Sunday game" of the season for Tennessee. The challenge now is to translate preparation into performance, moving past the frustration of back-to-back losses. He reminded his players that baseball, at its core, is a game meant to be played with joy and competitive fire, even under pressure. "They have to remember it’s still just a kid’s game," Elander noted, urging his team to embrace the challenge ahead.