Midstate Classic back in Columbia. What to know including Lady Vols vs Eastern Kentucky
The Midstate Classic Collegiate Softball Tournament has returned to Columbia after being canceled due to weather last season.
Three games will be played Tuesday, marking the 10th year for the City of Columbia as host of the tournament.
The day will open with a high school rivalry as Columbia Central takes on Spring Hill, followed by Columbia State Community College against Calhoun Community College.
The highlight of the tournament is Tennessee (25-4) taking on Eastern Kentucky (19-6), each coming off of 40-win seasons.
Former Columbia Central star Saviya Morgan returns to Maury County as a freshman for the Lady Vols. Willie Morgan, Saviya's grandfather and former City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Director, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and general admission tickets are $10, granting access to all three games.
The Midstate Classic Collegiate Softball Tournament returns to Columbia on March 18. Three games will be played consecutively as follows:
10 a.m. - Columbia Central HS vs. Spring Hill HS
1:30 p.m. - Columbia State Community College vs. Calhoun Community College
5:30 p.m. - Tennessee vs. Eastern Kentucky
The Midstate Classic Collegiate Softball Tournament is hosted by the City of Columbia at Ridley Sports Complex (6148 Trotwood Ave.).
Tennessee enters the Midstate Classic ranked No. 7 in The Oklahoman's College Softball Super 16 rankings, while Eastern Kentucky boasts a 19-6 record.
Along with Morgan's return to Columbia, fans should keep an eye on last season's SEC Pitcher of the Year Karlyn Pickens.
Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee: Pickens has a 9-3 record on the mound this season with 108 strikeouts and a 0.77 ERA.
Taylor Pannell, Tennessee: Pannell is batting .476 this season with 45 RBIs, 11 home runs, a triple and nine doubles.
McKenna Gibson, Tennessee: Gibson is batting .388 with 24 RBIs, five home runs and three doubles in 17 games.
Saviya Morgan, Tennessee: Morgan is batting .367 with 10 RBIs, three doubles and a triple, with 17 stolen bases.
Victoria Byrum, Eastern Kentucky: Byrum is 6-0 pitching this season with 42 strikeouts and a 1.87 ERA.
Maddi Rutan, Eastern Kentucky: Rutan is batting .443 with 32 RBIs, seven home runs, one triple and three doubles.
Kennedy Drafton, Eastern Kentucky: Drafton is batting .394 with 25 RBIs, three home runs and six doubles, stealing 7-of-9 bases.
The Midstate Classic Collegiate Softball Tournament has become a staple in Maury County, with both the Tennessee Lady Vols and Columbia State participating since 2014.
The tournament returns for its 10th year, aiming to showcase high level softball while bringing together fans of all ages from across Middle Tennessee.
"It's a great opportunity for local residents and visitors alike to enjoy high-quality collegiate softball right here in Columbia," City Manager Tony Massey said in a press release.
"This tournament is not just about softball," added Mayor Chaz Molder. "It's a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and local pride."
Harrison Campbell covers high school sports for The Daily Herald and The Tennessean. Email him at hcampbell@gannett.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccamp.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Midstate Classic: What to know including Lady Vols vs Eastern Kentucky
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