The No. 8 Tennessee Lady Volunteers lost to No. 3 Alabama, 12-0, in the first game of their series on April 25 at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
The game was significant as it took place during Senior Night, when Tennessee honored its three seniors: Jackie Kirkpatrick, Karlyn Pickens and Camryn Sarvis. The result marked a tough loss for the Lady Vols against a high-ranked opponent.
Alabama’s Jocelyn Briski threw five shutout innings, allowing only two hits and one walk while earning her nineteenth win of the season. Tennessee’s senior pitcher Karlyn Pickens started but struggled, giving up five runs—two earned—on four hits with four walks and two hit batters over just under three innings.
Alabama took an early lead with a solo home run by Brooke Wells in the first inning. Although Tennessee’s Sophia Knight led off with a single and stole second base in their half of the inning, she was left stranded. Taelyn Holley added her ninth double of the year in the second but did not score.
Alabama extended its lead with four runs in both the third and fourth innings before Ana Roman hit a three-run home run in the fifth to seal the final score at 12-0. Peyton Hardenburger and Erin Nuwer also pitched for Tennessee during the game.
Tennessee will play Game 2 of its series against Alabama on Sunday at 4 p.m., broadcast on ESPN2.
