Lady Vols Triumph Over Nebraska, Secure 9th WCWS Berth
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –
In a standout pitching display by junior Karlyn Pickens and an early solo homerun by Ella Dodge in the first inning, number seven ranked Tennessee secured their ninth appearance at the Women’s College World Series with a 1-0 victory over Nebraska on Sunday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Pickens was dynamic on the mound, securing her second straight complete game to guide the Lady Vols (45-15) past the Cornhuskers (43-15), advancing them to Oklahoma City for the third time in five years. As a right-handed pitcher, she gave up merely two hits and one walk while recording 10 strikeouts in the decisive super regional match. Across these successive elimination contests, Pickens accumulated an impressive total of 21 strikeouts against just two walks, claiming victory in both games.
On Sunday, Pickens pitched six perfect innings, keeping Nebraska off-balance throughout the game.
Tennessee got all the scoring they needed from Dodge when she hit her second home run in consecutive games during the bottom of the first inning. The ball soared to center field before bouncing off the railing, marking her seventh home run of the season.
The Lady Vols’ defense mirrored Pickens’ prowess, turning in numerous spectacular plays to maintain the clean sheet. In the initial frame, Dodge showcased defensive agility with a lunging stop, followed by Kinsey Fiedler executing a sliding catch in center field during the third inning, aiding in stranding all opponents.
Nebraska’s best chance came in the fifth, when the Huskers loaded the bases with two outs. Pickens responded with a three-pitch strikeout to escape the jam and preserve Tennessee’s lead.
Ticketing Note
The Tennessee Athletics Ticket Office won’t be selling tickets for the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. For ticket details, please go to NCAA.com/tickets.
DUE UP
Tennessee has moved forward to the Women’s College World Series where they will go up against second-seeded Oklahoma on Thursday. The exact game time is yet to be determined.
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