KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 8 [7] Tennessee used a five-run first inning to defeat Virginia, 7-5, and advance to the 2026 Knoxville Regional Final on Saturday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
The Lady Vols improved to 44-10 on the season behind an explosive start at the plate and a strong combined effort in the circle from Sage Mardjetko and Karlyn Pickens.
Tennessee erupted for five runs in the opening frame, capitalizing on a Virginia error and delivering timely hits throughout the inning. Elsa Morrison sparked the rally with a two-run double to right-center field, while Makenzie Butt added an RBI single. Taelyn Holley later drew a bases-loaded walk, and Bella Faw capped the scoring with an RBI fielder’s choice to give UT a 5-0 lead.
Virginia (39-14) responded in the third inning on a three-run home run from Jade Hylton to cut the deficit to 5-3.
The Lady Vols answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning when Emma Clarke launched a solo homer to left field. The blast marked her 12th home run of the season and second of the Knoxville Regional.
The Cavaliers pulled within one run in the sixth on a two-run homer by Alex Call, but Tennessee responded again in the bottom of the inning as Butt delivered a solo home run to left to push the lead back to 7-5.
Mardjetko earned the win to improve to 13-2 on the season. The right-hander struck out six and allowed three runs on three hits over four innings. The victory marked the second postseason win of her career, while her six strikeouts set a postseason career high.
Pickens entered in relief to begin the fifth inning and earned her sixth save of the season. The senior tossed three innings, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out four and walking one.
Virginia starter Eden Bigham suffered the loss, falling to 14-5 on the year. She allowed five runs – three earned – on three hits and two walks while recording one out. Taylor Smith provided 5.2 innings of relief, allowing two runs on four hits with five strikeouts.
DUE UP
Tennessee will face the winner of Game 5 on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. TV designations will be announced late on Saturday. Check vol_softball for the latest information.
