OKLAHOMA CITY (TVC) – The Tennessee Lady Volunteers defeated the defending national champions, the Texas Longhorns, 6-3, in the opening game of the Women’s College World Series Thursday.
“I’m really proud of our team,” Lady Vols head coach Karen Weekly said. “I’m really proud of how we came out with a really good balance of being excited to be here and calm. I thought because of that we just played with a lot of joy, played with a lot of heart, played with a lot of passion. I feel like they kept looking to their left and right, drawing energy and inspiration from each other.”
The Lady Vols got on the scoreboard early against Texas pitcher Tegan Kavan when Elsa Morrison hit a three-run home run in the top of the second inning, following a hit-by-pitch to Alannah Leach and a walk from Mackenzie Butt.
The Lady Vols added another run in the fifth inning when Taelyn Holley scored on a wild pitch in the top of the fifth inning.
The Lady Vols added on in the sixth inning, with Elsa Morrison hitting a double RBI. Zoie Shuler came in to pinch hit for Morrison, leading to a base hit RBI from Gabby Leach to drive in Shuler.
In the top of the seventh inning, Emma Clarke brought home Taelyn Holley, who had reached the bases on a walk earlier in the inning.
On the mound, the Lady Vols had Sage Mardjetko to start the game, pitching four complete innings and only allowing one hit from the Longhorns.
Karlyn Pickens entered in the fifth inning, allowing three runs across the fifth and sixth innings, before shutting down the Texas offense and securing the win for the Lady Vols.
“We’re focused on us, sticking to who we are, our core values and just going out there and playing Tennessee softball no matter who is across the field,” Mardjetko said after the game. “That’s what we plan on doing all season, then the rest of the World Series.”
The win moves Tennessee into the winners’ bracket of the tournament, which allows them to rest Friday. The Lady Vols will face Texas Tech Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT.
