KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A pair of three-run innings powered No. 7 Tennessee to a 6-3 victory over UConn on Sunday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, clinching the series sweep.
Tennessee (25-4) trailed 1-0 entering the bottom of the fifth when back-to-back hit batters set up a two-out rally for senior Kinsey Fiedler. The Lee’s Summit, Missouri, native delivered a first-pitch, three-run home run to straightaway center to give the Lady Vols a 3-1 lead.
UConn (13-11) answered in the sixth, scoring two runs on three hits to tie the game at 3-3.
The Lady Vols responded in the bottom half. McKenna Gibson led off the inning with a solo home run to center, sparking a three-run rally. After Gibson’s homer, back-to-back singles set the stage for Gabby Leach, who singled through the left side to bring both runners home and secure the 6-3 lead.
The Huskies threatened in the seventh, getting a runner on with two outs, but a popout ended the game.
IN THE CIRCLE
Freshman Erin Nuwer started for Tennessee, going five innings and allowing two runs on seven hits, with one walk and six strikeouts. Sage Mardjetko relieved Nuwer in the sixth, pitching the final two innings. Mardjetko gave up one run on two hits, striking out two and earning her eighth win of the season.
NOTABLE PERFORMERS
Fiedler’s home run in the fifth was her first of the season, and it marked her 24th career long ball. Tennessee’s center fielder was solid all weekend, going 7-for-11 with a double, a home run and six RBIs.
Gibson’s game-winning home run extended her reached-base streak to 27 games, dating back to the end of the 2024 season. The long ball was her fifth this season.
Laura Mealer continued her strong play, going 2-for-3 with a run scored. The Chapel Hill, Tennessee, native was 6-for-10 on the weekend with two runs, a home run and two RBIs.
DUE UP
Tennessee returns to action Tuesday, March 18, at the Midstate Classic in Columbia, Tennessee. The Lady Vols will face Eastern Kentucky, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. ET.
