Lady Vols Claim Series Against Gamecocks

Tennessee bounces back from Friday loss to take series with wins on Thursday and Saturday

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:07am

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The Tennessee Lady Vols softball team took the series against South Carolina, winning the opening and closing games of the three-game set. After dropping the middle game on Friday, the Lady Vols responded with a 4-2 victory on Saturday to improve their overall record to 32-6 and conference mark to 9-6 in the SEC.

Why it matters

The series win over a conference rival like South Carolina is an important boost for the Lady Vols as they continue their SEC schedule. Tennessee will look to carry this momentum into their next series against Kentucky.

The details

In both of Tennessee's wins, pitcher Karlyn Pickens came out of the bullpen to secure the victories. The Lady Vols jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the second inning of Saturday's clincher, with Saviya Morgan and Gabby Leach driving in runs. Ella Dodge also tripled to score a run, while Alannah Leach hit a solo home run in the third inning.

  • The series was played on Thursday, April 6 and Saturday, April 8.
  • Tennessee's next SEC series will be at Kentucky on April 11-13.

The players

Karlyn Pickens

The Lady Vols pitcher who came out of the bullpen to secure the wins in Thursday and Saturday's games.

Karen Weekly

The head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team.

Ella Dodge

The Tennessee outfielder who tripled to drive in a run in Saturday's victory.

Saviya Morgan

The Tennessee outfielder who started in center field on Saturday due to an illness to Sophia Knight.

Alannah Leach

The Tennessee player who hit a solo home run in the third inning of Saturday's game.

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What they’re saying

“She looked like Karlyn and more so her body language and her pace out there and not letting anything frustrate her, and just going at the hitters. That's when Karlyn's at her best, when she's in that competitive mindset.”

— Karen Weekly, Head Coach, Tennessee Lady Vols

“We've been having lots of honest conversations with each other and trying to get back to us. We're leaning into the growth that we're going through, and we know that this is going to be hard, it's meant to be hard, and that we're here for each other through it all.”

— Ella Dodge, Outfielder, Tennessee Lady Vols

“Saviya is such a calm presence, and she's very consistent, and she doesn't attach her emotions to her results, which is super inspiring, because obviously everyone wants to get it done for their team, but she goes up there and trusts herself and trusts her preparation, and she just brings a sense of peace on the field with her.”

— Ella Dodge, Outfielder, Tennessee Lady Vols

“She doesn't let anything affect her, not a pitch in the at bat, not a past at bat, not a past series, whatever it is, she just goes up there with confidence and she trusts her preparation.”

— Ella Dodge, Outfielder, Tennessee Lady Vols

What’s next

Tennessee will step out of SEC play for an in-state matchup against ETSU on April 7 and Kennesaw State on April 8 before traveling to Kentucky for their next conference series on April 11-13.

The takeaway

The Lady Vols' ability to bounce back from a Friday loss and clinch the series against South Carolina demonstrates their resilience and competitive spirit. This series win will provide valuable momentum as Tennessee continues its SEC schedule and pushes towards the postseason.