In a dominating display of power hitting, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team kicked off the NCAA tournament’s Knoxville Regional with a resounding 17-0 victory over Miami of Ohio. The Lady Vols erupted for 11 runs in the third inning, propelling them to their most lopsided triumph of the season. A Sherri Parker Lee Stadium crowd of 1,736 watched in awe as the Lady Vols’ offense came alive, showcasing their impressive skills and teamwork.
Laura Mealer and Sophia Nugent each drove in four runs, while Emma Clarke and Gabby Leach added three RBIs apiece. Mealer’s grand slam and Leach’s three-run homer highlighted the Lady Vols’ impressive performance. “We just wanted to attack the ball early in the count and swing with some conviction behind it,” Mealer said, explaining the team’s approach at the plate.
The Lady Vols’ offense had been struggling in recent games, scoring just eight runs in their previous four contests. However, they seemed to turn the page after a tough loss to Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference tournament. “I think they got sick of hearing that and didn’t let that get to them,” Tennessee coach Karen Weekly said. “They turned the page from last weekend and definitely came out like this was a new season.”
Two-time SEC pitcher of the year Karlyn Pickens struck out the side in the first inning and earned the win, allowing just one hit through three innings. Pickens’ dominance on the mound set the tone for the Lady Vols’ victory. She wound up with six strikeouts, improving to 21-8 and lowering her season earned run average to 0.91.
Coach Weekly praised her team’s performance, saying, “It was a great way to start for sure, and I’m just happy for our players and really proud of them.” The Lady Vols have now won their past five NCAA tournament openers by a combined score of 49-2, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.
As the Lady Vols look to continue their winning streak, they’ll face Ohio State (44-12-1) at noon Saturday. The Buckeyes advanced later Friday with a 9-6 win over North Carolina, setting up a potentially intense matchup. Will the Lady Vols keep their momentum going, or will the Buckeyes be able to slow them down? Only time will tell.
The Lady Vols’ impressive victory over Miami has set the tone for their tournament run, and fans are eagerly anticipating their next game. With their powerful offense and dominant pitching, the Lady Vols are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA tournament.
