The top-ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team continued their unbeaten start to the season, securing victories over Missouri State and UAB on Friday at Mary Bowers Field during the Green and Gold Classic in Birmingham, Alabama. The wins improved Tennessee’s record to 12-0.
In the first game, Tennessee defeated Missouri State 5-0. Pitcher Sage Mardjetko threw a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits, walking three batters, and striking out 11. Ella Dodge opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning. The Lady Vols added runs in the third after Dodge drew a bases-loaded walk and another run scored on a wild pitch. Makenzie Butt hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, while Dodge contributed an RBI double in the sixth for the final score.
Missouri State managed to put runners on base several times but could not score against Mardjetko’s pitching.
In their second game of the day, Tennessee defeated UAB 6-1. Karlyn Pickens pitched all seven innings, striking out 11 and holding UAB hitless until two outs in the seventh inning. The Lady Vols took control in the third when Dodge hit a three-run home run after singles by Sophia Knight and Gabby Leach.
Late in the game, walks by Dodge and Taelyn Holley set up Butt for another three-run homer, increasing Tennessee’s lead to six runs. UAB broke up Pickens’ no-hitter with consecutive singles in their final at-bat and scored one run before Tennessee closed out the win.
Tennessee is scheduled to play Mercer next at the Green and Gold Classic on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
