NORMAN, Okla. – No. 9 Tennessee secured its sixth consecutive SEC road series victory Sunday, defeating No. 2 Oklahoma 5-3 at Love’s Field.
Tennessee (29-7, 5-4 SEC) has now won 18 of its last 20 conference series and becomes just the third team to win a series at Oklahoma since 2006. This victory marks the first time in program history the Lady Vols have won a road series against a top-2 opponent.
After being held hitless through the first two innings, Oklahoma (31-3, 9-3 SEC) broke through in the third with three runs. Back-to-back singles and a walk loaded the bases, setting up a bases-clearing double from Kasidi Pickering. Tennessee quickly responded by retiring three straight batters, preventing any further damage.
The Lady Vols answered in the fourth inning, rallying for five runs on three hits and two walks. The rally began with a two-out walk from Taylor Pannell, followed by a single from McKenna Gibson to put two runners on base. After Sophia Nugent walked to load the bases, Laura Mealer delivered a double to right, scoring two runs and cutting the deficit to 3-2.
In the next at-bat, redshirt freshman Ella Dodge blasted a 2-0 pitch into the right-center field stands for a three-run homer, her fifth of the season, giving Tennessee a 5-3 lead.
The Big Orange kept Oklahoma in check over the final four innings, retiring 15 of the last 17 batters faced.
IN THE CIRCLE
Karlyn Pickens (13-4) earned her second win of the weekend, throwing a complete game. The Weaverville, North Carolina, native allowed three runs on four hits, with three walks and six strikeouts. Pickens worked two 1-2-3 innings in the series finale to help secure the win.
NOTABLE PERFORMERS
McKenna Gibson went 2-for-4, with a key single in the fourth inning that extended the rally. Laura Mealer continued her strong weekend performance, finishing 1-for-3 on Sunday. The Chapel Hill, Tennessee, native went 4-for-10 with two RBIs and two runs scored across the series.
DUE UP
Tennessee returns home to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium on Tuesday for a midweek matchup against Western Carolina.
