KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The No. 7 Tennessee Lady Vols punched their ticket to the Women’s College World Series with a 1-0 victory over Nebraska on Sunday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Junior pitcher Karlyn Pickens delivered a commanding performance, while Ella Dodge’s early solo home run provided the game’s only run.
Pickens, showcasing her dominance on the mound, threw her second straight complete game to lead Tennessee (45-15) past Nebraska (43-15). She allowed just two hits and one walk, striking out 10 in the Super Regional finale. Across back-to-back elimination games, Pickens totaled 21 strikeouts with only two walks, securing both wins for the Lady Vols.
On Sunday, Pickens was nearly untouchable, working six perfect innings and consistently keeping Nebraska’s hitters off balance.
The game’s lone run came in the bottom of the first inning when Dodge hit her second home run in as many days. Her solo blast to center field, which bounced off the railing, marked her seventh homer of the season.
Tennessee’s defense matched Pickens’ effort with several key plays. Dodge made a diving stop early in the game, and Kinsey Fiedler added a sliding catch in center field during the third inning to retire the side without incident.
Nebraska’s best scoring chance came in the fifth inning when the Huskers loaded the bases with two outs. However, Pickens responded with a quick three-pitch strikeout to escape the jam and preserve Tennessee’s lead.
Ticketing Information
The Tennessee Athletics Ticket Office will not sell tickets for the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Next Up
Tennessee advances to face No. 2 seed Oklahoma in the Women’s College World Series on Thursday. Game time will be announced soon.
