The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team maintained their undefeated start to the season, moving to 10-0 after a 9-1 win against seventh-ranked Florida State on Sunday. The game took place at the Eddie C. Moore Complex as part of the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, where Tennessee posted a perfect 5-0 record.
During the weekend, Tennessee defeated four teams ranked in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) top 25. This brings their total to six wins over NFCA top 25 opponents in their first ten games, marking a new program record for that span.
Tennessee opened the scoring early with three runs in the first inning. Singles by Sophia Knight and Gabby Leach set up Ella Dodge, who hit a three-run home run.
Florida State responded in the second inning when two batters were hit with pitches while runners were on base, allowing them to score one run.
In the third inning, Tennessee added four more runs. Alannah Leach singled to bring home her twin sister Gabby Leach. After stealing second base and loading the bases following a walk to Taelyn Holley, pinch-hitter Makenzie Butt singled down the right field line, scoring Emma Clarke and Alannah Leach. Bella Faw followed with another single that scored Holley.
Emma Clarke extended Tennessee’s lead further with a two-run home run in the seventh inning.
Sage Mardjetko started for Tennessee and pitched 1.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits and recording three strikeouts before Karlyn Pickens entered from the bullpen. Pickens pitched 5.1 innings, gave up just one hit, struck out four batters, walked two, and earned her third win of the season.
Tennessee will continue its road schedule next weekend at the Green and Gold Classic hosted by UAB in Birmingham, Alabama.
