The Tennessee Lady Vols softball team delivered a commanding performance against the Florida Gators, notching an 11-3 run-rule victory in just five innings during their Women's College World Series elimination game in Oklahoma City on May 30.
Tennessee wasted no time, erupting for a program-record seven runs in the first inning. Gabby Leach set the tone with a leadoff triple, and the Vols’ relentless lineup forced Florida to make an early pitching change. By the end of the first, every Tennessee batter had contributed, and the Gators were already facing a steep deficit.
The Lady Vols continued their offensive onslaught in the second and third innings, including back-to-back solo home runs from Sophia Nugent and McKenna Gibson. Florida briefly rallied in the fourth, with Reagan Walsh and Korbe Otis hitting consecutive home runs to trim the lead to 10-3, but Tennessee quickly responded, adding another run to restore the run-rule margin.
Pitcher Karlyn Pickens, the SEC Pitcher of the Year, started for Tennessee but was pulled early to preserve her arm for future games. Erin Nuwer and Sage Mardjetko combined to hold the Gators in check, with Nuwer earning the win after allowing just one hit over two innings.
With this victory, Tennessee advances to face the loser of the Oklahoma vs. Texas matchup, keeping their championship hopes alive as the Women's College World Series continues through June 6.
For full highlights and key moments from the game, watch the recap on YouTube..
