Tennessee Softball Faces Texas in WCWS Semifinal Rematch Tennessee softball will take on Texas in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) semifinals for the second consecutive year, marking a rematch of their opening-round clash on May 28. The Lady Vols, seeded seventh with a 49-10 record, defeated the No. 2 Longhorns in their first matchup, setting up a potential showdown for a spot in the championship series. This year’s contest, scheduled for June 1 (noon ET, ESPN), carries significant stakes for Tennessee, which is seeking its first national title and third-ever WCWS championship appearance. The Lady Vols entered the semifinals without a loss, a stark contrast to their previous year’s run, where they had to overcome elimination games. This year, Tennessee advanced through the winner’s bracket, giving them a strategic advantage. Texas, the reigning national champions, had to navigate the loser’s bracket after a 3-1 victory over Nebraska in an elimination game on May 31. Coach Mike White of Texas acknowledged the challenge, noting that Tennessee’s pitching staff, including the untested Erin Nuwer, poses a unique threat. “These pitchers are so good now, they’re able to study what we did, what they did. It becomes that cat-and-mouse game of strategy,” White said. The first semifinal matchup on May 28 saw Tennessee’s junior pitcher Sage Mardjetko dominate Texas, limiting them to one hit in four innings. Mardjetko’s performance was so strong that Tennessee coach Karen Weekly opted to rest her in anticipation of a potential rematch. Senior ace Karlyn Pickens stepped in, throwing a seventh-inning save with two earned runs allowed. Despite the effort, Tennessee’s offense delivered, scoring six runs against Texas ace Teagan Kavan.#texas #women_s_college_world_series #tennessee_softball #sage_mardjetko #karlyn_pickens
