KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The seventh-ranked Lady Vols secured a 1-0 victory over No. 16 Duke on Tuesday night, marking the Blue Devils’ first-ever trip to Rocky Top.
Tennessee (22-4) took an early lead when Taylor Pannell crushed a solo home run in the first inning. The redshirt sophomore now has a career-high 10 home runs and 42 RBIs this season.
Karlyn Pickens was sensational in the circle, and the Lady Vols’ defense played flawlessly. Tennessee retired the side in order in the second, third, and fifth innings. Saviya Morgan also made a highlight-worthy diving catch in foul territory to cap the third inning.
Duke (17-8) threatened in the fourth with two runners on base and again in the seventh with a leadoff single. After advancing the tying run to third, Pickens struck out the final batter of the game to secure the shutout.
IN THE CIRCLE
Pickens (7-3) made her 10th start of the season, striking out 10 batters and allowing just two hits and two walks. She carried a no-hitter into the fourth inning and lowered her ERA to 0.68 with the complete-game win.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Pannell went 2-for-3 at the plate, including her first-inning home run, while McKenna Gibson extended her on-base streak to 24 games with a walk in the sixth inning.
DUE UP
The Lady Vols will welcome UConn to Rocky Top for a three-game series March 14-16. All three games will be on SECN+.
