The stage is set for the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament, and the Tennessee Lady Vols are ready to shine. As the No. 7 national seed, UT will host the NCAA Knoxville Regional for the 20th consecutive season, welcoming Ohio State, North Carolina, and Miami (OH) to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. This prestigious event promises to be an exciting ride, with the Lady Vols vying for a spot in the Super Regional round.
The Lady Vols have a rich history of postseason appearances, with 22 overall and 21 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. They’ve hosted 20 straight regional rounds in Knoxville, showcasing their dominance in the sport. Under head coach Karen Weekly, UT has won 40 or more games for the 22nd time, solidifying their reputation as a top-tier team. The Lady Vols have advanced to the postseason every year since 2004, demonstrating their consistency and dedication to excellence.
Junior Karlyn Pickens, the SEC Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season, will be a key player in Tennessee’s quest for glory. Pickens’ impressive skills on the mound have earned her numerous accolades, and she’ll be crucial in the Lady Vols’ bid for success. Alongside teammate Taylor Pannell, who earned All-SEC First Team honors, Pickens will lead the charge against the competition. The Lady Vols’ talented roster is well-equipped to take on the challenges of the tournament.
This weekend’s double-elimination tournament promises to be an exciting ride. The Lady Vols will face MAC champion Miami (OH) on Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network, while Ohio State takes on North Carolina at 4:00 p.m. on ESPNU. The winners of these games will play each other on Saturday at noon, and the losers will face off at 2:30 p.m. The loser from the noon game will then play the winner of the 2:30 p.m. game at 5 p.m. to conclude play on Saturday.
The Schedule
The tournament schedule is as follows:
– Friday: Tennessee vs. Miami (OH) at 1:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network, Ohio State vs. North Carolina at 4:00 p.m. on ESPNU
– Saturday: Winners play at noon, losers play at 2:30 p.m., and the loser from Game 3 faces the winner from Game 4 at 5 p.m.
– Sunday: Game 6 and Game 7 (if necessary) at noon and 2:30 p.m.
With their talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Lady Vols are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. They’ll face stiff competition from Ohio State, North Carolina, and Miami (OH), but their determination and skill will be put to the test. Will they bring home the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Tennessee softball is ready to shine.
The 16 winning teams from their respective regional sites will advance to the Super Regional round, which will take place from May 22-25, depending on the host site. All Super Regional sites will feature broadcasts on the ESPN family of networks, providing fans with ample opportunities to catch the action. The Lady Vols will need to bring their A-game if they hope to advance to the Women’s College World Series.
The Tennessee Lady Vols are ready to take on the best of college softball. With their sights set on the championship, they’ll need to perform at their highest level. The NCAA Knoxville Regional promises to be an exciting event, with the Lady Vols hosting top-notch competition in their quest for glory. Can they bring home the title? The stage is set, and the Lady Vols are ready to shine.
