Lady Vols Dominate Southern Illinois Behind Mardjetko's No-Hitter

No. 1 Tennessee blanks Southern Illinois 9-0 as Sage Mardjetko fires a no-hitter with 12 strikeouts in a five-inning run-rule win.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The top-ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team remained unbeaten on the season with a convincing 9-0 five-inning run-rule victory over Southern Illinois. Sage Mardjetko tossed a dominant no-hitter with 12 strikeouts, while the Tennessee offense exploded for nine runs on 10 hits.

Why it matters

This win keeps Tennessee undefeated and solidifies their status as the top-ranked team in the country. Mardjetko's no-hitter is an impressive individual accomplishment that showcases the Lady Vols' pitching depth and dominance on the mound.

The details

Mardjetko was nearly perfect, allowing just one walk while striking out 12 batters. Tennessee's offense struck early with two runs in the first inning and added four more in the fourth to blow the game open. Sophia Knight, Maddi Rutan, Ella Dodge, and Emma Clarke all had multiple hits and RBIs for the Lady Vols.

  • The game was played on February 22, 2026.
  • Mardjetko's no-hitter moved her record to 3-0 on the season.

The players

Sage Mardjetko

The Tennessee pitcher who tossed a five-inning no-hitter with 12 strikeouts.

Sophia Knight

The Tennessee leadoff hitter who went 4-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Maddi Rutan

The Tennessee player who hit a two-run home run in the second inning to extend the Lady Vols' lead.

Ella Dodge

The Tennessee player who had an RBI single in the fourth inning as part of a five-run rally.

Emma Clarke

The Tennessee player who hit a two-run double in the fourth inning to cap the scoring.

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What they’re saying

“Sage Mardjetko was untouchable in the circle, tossing a five-inning no-hitter with 12 strikeouts against just one walk on 81 pitches.”

— Source Staff (williamsonsource.com)

The takeaway

Tennessee's dominant performance, led by Sage Mardjetko's no-hitter and a balanced offensive attack, solidifies their status as the top-ranked team in the country and a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 college softball season.