Tennessee releases statement confirming return of Tony Vitello and Maui Ahuna

Some good news for Tennessee Baseball on Monday as two Volunteers are set to rejoin the team. First, head coach Tony Vitello is back after serving a three-game suspension during this past weekend’s series against Dayton after he was included in an infractions investigation by the NCAA centered around transfer Maui Ahuna. That gets to the other piece of good news, that Ahuna is cleared to join the team and has been cleared.

Tennessee released a statement Monday afternoon confirming both pieces of information, which read:

“We are pleased to announce that Coach Vitello has completed his three-game suspension. He will be back in the dugout leading our baseball team tomorrow. We are also thrilled that Maui Ahuna’s eligibility has been reinstated, and he is available to join Tennessee’s active roster effective immediately.”

On3’s Volquest had the initial report of Ahuna’s return on their site, which read:

“After missing the first eight games of the 2023 campaign, Tennessee fans received some good news on Monday as their star transfer portal addition was cleared for game activity – he announced on social media,” wrote Eric Cain “A source with direct knowledge confirmed the news with Volquest.”

Apparently, Volquest believes he’ll play right away: “Short stop Maui Ahuna is expected to make his Tennessee debut on Tuesday in a midweek home contest with Charleston Southern.”

Moreover, the surprising revelation regarding Ahuna’s eligibility originally came to light hours before their season-opening contest, but it’s evident that’s now been put in the past.

Maui Ahuna will look to contribute in a big way to a Volunteers team looking for big things in 2023.