Tennessee Softball Dominates at Green and Gold Classic

Karlyn Pickens records 11 strikeouts as No. 1 Lady Vols defeat Missouri State and UAB

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The top-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols softball team opened play at the Green and Gold Classic in Birmingham, Alabama with convincing wins over Missouri State and UAB. Pitcher Karlyn Pickens recorded 11 strikeouts in the victory over UAB, while Ella Dodge and Makenzie Butt each hit a home run in both games.

Why it matters

Tennessee is the top-ranked softball team in the country and these early-season wins against quality opponents demonstrate the Lady Vols' dominance and championship potential. The Green and Gold Classic provides an opportunity for Tennessee to continue building momentum ahead of SEC play.

The details

In the first game, Tennessee defeated Missouri State 5-0 behind a complete game shutout from pitcher Sage Mardjetko, who struck out 11 batters. Ella Dodge and Makenzie Butt each hit a home run to power the Lady Vols' offense. Against UAB, Karlyn Pickens pitched a complete game, striking out 11 Blazers batters, as Tennessee won 6-1. Dodge and Butt again homered for the Lady Vols.

  • On Friday, Tennessee defeated Missouri State 5-0.
  • Also on Friday, Tennessee defeated UAB 6-1.

The players

Karlyn Pickens

A right-handed pitcher for the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team who recorded 11 strikeouts in the win over UAB.

Sage Mardjetko

A pitcher for the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team who recorded 11 strikeouts in the win over Missouri State.

Ella Dodge

A player for the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team who hit a home run in both games against Missouri State and UAB.

Makenzie Butt

A player for the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team who hit a home run in both games against Missouri State and UAB.

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What’s next

The Lady Vols will continue play in the Green and Gold Classic on Saturday, facing Mercer and Southern Illinois.

The takeaway

The Tennessee Lady Vols softball team is living up to their No. 1 ranking, showcasing a dominant pitching staff and powerful offense that will make them a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2026 season.