Blazers Put Up Tough Fight Against Top-Ranked Tennessee

UAB breaks up Karlyn Pickens' no-hit bid in the seventh inning, but falls 6-1 to the Lady Vols

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The #1 Tennessee Lady Vols extended their winning streak with a 6-1 victory over UAB on Friday, but the Blazers proved to be a formidable opponent, battling through seven innings and breaking up Karlyn Pickens' no-hit bid in the seventh. A standing-room-only crowd of 1,264 witnessed a contest marked by strong pitching and timely hitting.

Why it matters

This game highlights the continued growth and competitiveness of the UAB softball program, as they were able to extend the game to seven innings against the top-ranked team in the nation, a feat they had not accomplished in previous matchups. The Blazers' resilience and individual standout performances demonstrate their potential to challenge elite programs.

The details

Karlyn Pickens continued her impressive start to the season, delivering a complete game with 11 strikeouts. She allowed just two hits, and the Blazers' lone run was the first earned run she's conceded all year. Tennessee's offense was powered by home runs from Ella Dodge and Makenzie Butt, both three-run blasts. Boise State transfer Sophia Knight also contributed with a game-high two hits. Despite the loss, UAB showcased resilience and individual brilliance, with Ashlyn Shirah extending her on-base streak to 23 consecutive games and Abbi Perkins throwing out two Lady Vols attempting to steal.

  • The game took place on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Karlyn Pickens

The Tennessee pitcher who delivered a complete game with 11 strikeouts, allowing just two hits and one earned run.

Ella Dodge

The Tennessee player who hit a three-run home run in the third inning to open the scoring.

Makenzie Butt

The Tennessee player who hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning to provide insurance for the Lady Vols.

Ashlyn Shirah

The UAB player who extended her on-base streak to 23 consecutive games.

Abbi Perkins

The UAB player who threw out two Tennessee players attempting to steal, a feat not accomplished by a UAB catcher since April 30, 2022.

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What’s next

UAB continues play in the Green and Gold Classic on Saturday, February 21, with games against Southern Illinois at 2 p.m. and Missouri State at 4:30 p.m.

The takeaway

The Blazers' resilience and individual standout performances, such as Ashlyn Shirah's on-base streak and Abbi Perkins' defensive prowess, demonstrate UAB's potential to challenge elite programs like Tennessee in the future.