ATHENS, Ga. – A five-run explosion in the fifth inning lifted No. 7 Tennessee to a 5-2 win over No. 13 Georgia on Sunday at Jack Turner Softball Stadium, securing a series victory in the SEC opener.
Tennessee (21-4, 2-1 SEC) extended its program-record streak to 10 consecutive SEC series wins, dating to the final series of 2023.
Trailing 1-0 entering the fifth, the Lady Vols erupted with five runs on four hits and an error. After a leadoff walk, Kinsey Fiedler singled to put runners on first and second. Taylor Pannell followed with a clutch double to center, tying the game. McKenna Gibson then delivered a three-run homer to left-center, her fourth of the season, giving Tennessee a 4-1 lead.
After an error allowed Ella Dodge to reach base, Sophia Nugent ripped a double down the left-field line to score Dodge, adding an insurance run.
Georgia (19-4, 1-2 SEC) struck first with a run in the opening frame, capitalizing on a walk, sacrifice bunt, and a double. The Bulldogs threatened to extend their lead but were thwarted by Gabby Leach’s diving catch down the right-field line to end the inning and prevent further damage.
In the seventh, Georgia loaded the bases with no outs, but Tennessee’s defense held firm. The Bulldogs managed a run on a groundout, but the Lady Vols closed out the win to claim the series.
IN THE CIRCLE
Sage Mardjetko earned her seventh win of the season, tossing a complete game while allowing two runs on five hits and three walks. The sophomore struck out eight in the victory.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Fiedler continued her hot streak, going 2-for-2 with a walk and a run. The senior extended her reached-base streak to 24 games.
Pannell’s clutch RBI double in the fifth tied the game and ignited the Lady Vols’ rally. The redshirt sophomore now has 41 RBIs on the season.
Gibson delivered her fifth multi-RBI game of the year with a three-run homer in the fifth inning.
DUE UP
Tennessee hosts No. 14 Duke on Tuesday for a top-15 showdown at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET.
