KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee softball lost to Alabama in Game 3 of the Super Regional inside Sherri Parker Lee Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Lady Vols finished the rubber match scoring one run, 4-1.
In the first inning, graduate pitcher Payton Gottshall struck out the first two Alabama batters but allowed the bases to load immediately after. Bama’s Riley Valentine was up to bat, and she knocked one all the way out for an early grand slam to give the Crimson Tide a 4-0 lead.
A rain delay was called before the bottom of the first inning could begin. The matchup resumed at 7:15 p.m. when Tennessee finally stepped up to the plate.
In the bottom of the first, Alabama sent the Lady Vols down in order, including striking out Kiki Milloy and Zaida Puni. The Lady Vols remained scoreless with the Crimson Tide’s impressive pitching efforts.
With Laura Mealer on third base in the third inning, Bama pitcher Jocelyn Briski got out of a jam, striking out Milloy for her fourth knockout of the game.
Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens entered the game in the fourth inning and sent the Tide down in order. With the Lady Vols back up to bat in the fourth, Tennessee had a runner on first and second, but Alabama ended the inning after Pannel hit into a fielder’s choice at third base.
In the fifth inning, Pickens got out of a jam with two Bama players on with her second strikeout of the night, but with Tennessee up to bat next, the team still couldn’t get on the board.
Three quick Alabama outs sent Tennessee to the plate for the final time, with one shot to take the lead. Briski hit McKenna Gibson to send her to first, and Sophia Nugent hit a single to get another runner on.
Still with no outs, Taylor Pannell reached on a bunt to bring home a run and make it 4-1. The Crimson Tide made a pitching change and put Kayla Beaver on the mound. With three on and two outs, Kiki Milloy hit a ground out to first to end the game.
Tennessee finished its season 44-12 overall and 19-5 in conference play. Alabama will advance to the College World Series which starts on May 30.
