Lady Vols Turn the Tide to Win Second Game Against Alabama

Lauryn Gempler, Torch Sports Managing Editor

April 26, 2026

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (TVC) — Lady Vols turn the tide, taking down No. 2 Alabama in game two of their weekend series, 2-0.

After being shut out by the Crimson Tide on Saturday, the Lady Vols returned the favor on Sunday, handing Alabama its first shutout of the season, a huge accomplishment for Tennessee.

“The most important number today is the zero on the scoreboard,” said Lady Vols softball head coach Karen Weekly said.

It was an all-out effort from the Lady Vols on Sunday, performing well on both sides of the ball.

But the star of the show was junior pitcher Sage Mardjetko.

Mardjetko started in the circle for the Lady Vols and was absolutely dominant, pitching through all seven innings, allowing one hit and no runs.

Now, Mardjetko began to struggle in the fourth, walking one hitter and hitting another with a pitch, but was able to work her way out of the jam, leaving two of Alabama’s runners on base and holding the Crimson Tide scoreless.

She went on to complete the night throwing a total of six strikeouts, and secuirng the win for the Lady Vols.

Offensively, the Lady Vols’ bats took a minute to heat up, but a single up the middle from freshman Taelyn Holley in the bottom of the third would get the momentum started for the offense.

The Lady Vols were making good contact throughout the game, but it was Gabby Leach with a solo home run to center field to put the Vols on the board in the bottom of the fifth and secure the first lead of the series for Tennessee.

And in the bottom of the sixth, it was all Emma Clarke doubling the Lady Vols’ lead with a solo homerun off the scoreboard.

But the Crimson Tide weren’t going down without a fight, getting runners on first and second in the top of the seventh. But, once again Sage Mardjetko battled through and silenced the Crimson Tide’s offense.

The Lady Vols will now face the Crimson Tide in a rubber match for the final game of the series on Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m. Eastern at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

About the Contributor

Lauryn Gempler, Torch Sports Managing Editor

Lauryn Gempler is a junior at the University of Tennessee studying sports journalism and electronic media with a minor in public relations and advertising. She joined The Volunteer Channel in 2024 and now serves as Digital Content Manager for Torch Sports, overseeing the creation and approval of videos, graphics, and other multimedia content. In this role, she helps shape the brand’s identity and ensures coverage is timely, engaging, and accurate. In addition to this role, Lauryn has appeared on air as both a host and analyst, bringing insight, energy, and preparation to every broadcast. She is passionate about storytelling and creative sports coverage, and she aims to pursue a career in sports media where she can combine on-camera talent with strong digital strategy skills. She enjoys working with other students and learning new skills in reporting, editing, and creating content across different platforms.