Latest news with #TaylorPannell
New York Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Strong start for UT
Follow our coverage of the WCWS from Oklahoma City as the five remaining teams chase the softball national title Imagn Images So far, the Vols are all over Oklahoma's Sam Landry. Landry primarily works on the sides of the plate, and Tennessee is working with what she's giving it. That sacrifice fly by Vols catcher Sophia Nugent against her former team in the Sooners not only gives her team a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but it continues what's emerging as an early trend in this game: go with where it's pitched. Both Gabby Leach and Pannell drove outside pitches the other way, and facing Nebraska's Jordy Bahl last week was great preparation for seeing Oklahoma's Sam Landry. Imagn Images That was an absolute shot of a line drive by Vols third baseman Taylor Pannell. Sooners center fielder Abigaile Dayton didn't take a great angle on that ball, going straight across instead of a slanted angle, and a passed ball gets the Vols on the board. Karlyn Pickens is a totally different pitcher for Tennessee when she has the lead. T1 - Tennessee 1, Oklahoma 0 A single, a double and a passed ball, and the Vols have the lead. Just what they needed against the powerhouse Sooners. A rematch of the 2013 final ... when these players were in elementary school. Wonder if any of them were softball junkies watching the WCWS that year Tennessee vs. Oklahoma in Game 2. There are good storylines all over the place in this one. Imagn Images Even though Game 1 of the day is already over, I will say Texas was my pick to win that one (promise!). I knew Teagan Kavan would come through after what was kind of a shockingly close Super Regional against Clemson. As for the rest of the matchups today: Tennessee vs. Oklahoma: While most of me REALLY wants Tennessee to shut the Sooners down so we can have some parity here (and so the Sooners can face some challenges), I think we're going to have a relatively close one here. In the Super Regionals, Karlyn Pickens dominated in Game 3 against Nebraska, but Game 1 was a little iffy. I think it'll be somewhat similar here, so I think the Sooners will take this first matchup. But I wouldn't be surprised if the Vols come back with a vengeance after it. Honestly, they're my pick to win it all, but I think they'll drop this first one. While most of me REALLY wants Tennessee to shut the Sooners down so we can have some parity here (and so the Sooners can face some challenges), I think we're going to have a relatively close one here. In the Super Regionals, Karlyn Pickens dominated in Game 3 against Nebraska, but Game 1 was a little iffy. I think it'll be somewhat similar here, so I think the Sooners will take this first matchup. But I wouldn't be surprised if the Vols come back with a vengeance after it. Honestly, they're my pick to win it all, but I think they'll drop this first one. Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech: This is definitely the more understated matchup of the day, but to be honest, it's just as good as any other, especially because this is the first opening-round matchup between teams making their first WCWS appearance since 2001, according to the broadcast. While the Rebels have an undeniable comeback ability, I think NiJaree Canady will shut Ole Miss down with her comfort on the big stage. This is definitely the more understated matchup of the day, but to be honest, it's just as good as any other, especially because this is the first opening-round matchup between teams making their first WCWS appearance since 2001, according to the broadcast. While the Rebels have an undeniable comeback ability, I think NiJaree Canady will shut Ole Miss down with her comfort on the big stage. Oregon vs. UCLA: Well, well, well, look how we found ourselves: a matchup of former Pac-12 powerhouses. Now, though, both teams are in the Big Ten, which the Ducks won this season. While UCLA has been here countless times before, I think Oregon's hot streak will continue as of late. Its walk-off wins in the regionals and Super Regionals were thrilling and showed just how much fight they have, and then the Ducks' mercy-rule win over Liberty to get to OKC has them coming in on a hot streak. I'm gonna say Sko Ducks on this one. Saturday's schedule of games (times are ET): Game 5: Texas vs. Oklahoma-Tennessee winner, 3 p.m. Texas vs. Oklahoma-Tennessee winner, 3 p.m. Game 6: Texas Tech-Ole Miss winner vs. UCLA-Oregon winner, 7 p.m. Friday's schedule of games (times are ET): Game 5: Florida vs. Oklahoma-Tennessee loser, 7 p.m. Florida vs. Oklahoma-Tennessee loser, 7 p.m. Game 6: Texas Tech-Ole Miss loser vs. UCLA-Oregon loser, 9:30 p.m. Imagn Images Up next is the game we've all been waiting for: Can Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens, who's throwing the equivalent of 108-110 mph in baseball, stifle Oklahoma? Keep in mind, these are both SEC teams (weird), and they've met a few times earlier this season. Tennessee won the first game, 5-2, while the Sooners won the second, 4-1. In the series finale, Tennessee came out on top 5-3. Pickens pitched in both of the Lady Vols' wins, giving up 10 total hits and striking out 12. What's even more impressive is Tennessee won on the road. But that was all the way back in March. Oklahoma has gotten a lot better since then, and it will be very hard to beat the Sooners again. Still, Pickens has arguably gotten better since March, too. This should be a good one. Imagn Images What Molly said. I simply cannot wait to see Karlyn Pickens' defense versus Oklahoma's offense. Imagn Images And there we have it, as the Longhorns advance to the winners' bracket after shutting down the Gators, 3-0. But as good as that game was, I think I'm even more excited for this next one on the slate: Oklahoma vs. Tennessee. I came into this NCAA Tournament thinking that Tennessee is one of the only squads that could potentially stifle Oklahoma's five-peat chances, especially with Karlyn Pickens in the circle for the Vols. I guess we'll see here soon. I am one to love a high-scoring, offensive matchup, but Texas' defensive prowess today kept me locked in. The Longhorns beat the Gators 3-0, earning the day off on Friday and facing the winner of No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 7 Tennessee on Saturday. Oklahoma-Tennessee starts at 2:30 p.m. ET. Imagn Images Teagan Kavan and Joley Mitchell were the stars in Game 1 of the Women's College World Series as Texas beats Florida 3-0. Texas will play the winner of Oklahoma-Tennessee on Saturday. Florida will play the loser of that game on Friday. Kavan went the distance in the circle for Texas, allowing just two hits with only two hits. Mitchell had two solo home runs. How Oklahoma advanced to the WCWS: Regional Defeated Boston 8-0 Defeated California 11-2 Defeated California 12-1 Super Regional Defeated Alabama 3-0 Defeated Alabama 13-2 The Longhorns' biggest problem against Clemson in the Supers was surrendering late-game leads. But Teagan Kavan has absolutely shut down a Gators offense that is quite literally full – from leadoff to No. 9 – of .300-plus hitters. What an absolute turnaround from this matchup in the first round last year, when Florida run-ruled Texas. Tennessee was the No. 7 seed for the NCAA Tournament: Coach: Karen Weekly Record: 45-15, 15-9 in the SEC Players to watch: Taylor Pannell, .391 average, 15 HR, 62 RBIs Kinsey Fiedler, .345, 36 RBIs Saviya Morgan, .338, 25 SB McKenna Gibson, .309, 11 HR, 42 RBIs Sophia Nugent, .308, 17 HR, 59 RBIs Karlyn Pickens, 23-9, 1.03 ERA, 270 K Sage Mardjetko, 12-2, 2.33 ERA Imagn Images B7 - Texas 3, Florida 0 Last hope for the Gators. They have only two hits off Longhorns starting pitcher Teagan Kavan. How Tennessee advanced to the WCWS: Regional Defeated Miami, Ohio 17-0 Defeated Ohio State 4-2 Defeated Ohio State 5-0 Super Regional Lost to Nebraska 5-2 Defeated Nebraska 3-2 Defeated Nebraska 1-0
Washington Post
5 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Tennessee overcomes controversial call, defeats UCLA to reach Women's CWS semifinals
OKLAHOMA CITY — Laura Mealer's RBI single in the ninth inning gave Tennessee a 5-4 win over UCLA on Sunday that lifted the Volunteers into the Women's College World Series semifinals and eliminated the Bruins. The game nearly had a controversial finish. UCLA's Megan Grant hit a two-run blast with two outs in the top of the seventh inning that appeared to tie the score at 4-all. There was an umpire review that appeared to involve whether or not Grant touched home plate. After a nearly 15-minute delay, the home run ruling was upheld because it was determined on the field that the runs were scored, and the home plate umpire announced that the play was not reviewable. Had Grant been called out, the game would have ended with Tennessee winning 4-2. Even after giving up the homer, Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens recovered and went the distance for the win. The first-team National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American gave up four earned runs on 11 hits and struck out seven. She threw 148 pitches. Taylor Pannell's two-run homer put Tennessee up 4-2 in the fifth to help set up the dramatic ending. She had three hits. Tennessee (47-16) will play Texas on Monday in the semifinals and will have the beat the Longhorns twice to advance to the best-of-three championship series. Texas will need to win just once to reach the championship series for the third time in four years. UCLA's Alexis Ramirez and Sofia Mujica hit solo homers. The Bruins (55-13) were trying to become the first semifinalist from the Big Ten since Michigan in 2015. ___ AP college sports:
Associated Press
5 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Tennessee overcomes controversial call, defeats UCLA to reach Women's CWS semifinals
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Laura Mealer's RBI single in the ninth inning gave Tennessee a 5-4 win over UCLA on Sunday that lifted the Volunteers into the Women's College World Series semifinals and eliminated the Bruins. The game nearly had a controversial finish. UCLA's Megan Grant hit a two-run blast with two outs in the top of the seventh inning that appeared to tie the score at 4-all. There was an umpire review that appeared to involve whether or not Grant touched home plate. After a nearly 15-minute delay, the home run ruling was upheld because it was determined on the field that the runs were scored, and the home plate umpire announced that the play was not reviewable. Had Grant been called out, the game would have ended with Tennessee winning 4-2. Even after giving up the homer, Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens recovered and went the distance for the win. The first-team National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American gave up four earned runs on 11 hits and struck out seven. She threw 148 pitches. Taylor Pannell's two-run homer put Tennessee up 4-2 in the fifth to help set up the dramatic ending. She had three hits. Tennessee (47-16) will play Texas on Monday in the semifinals and will have the beat the Longhorns twice to advance to the best-of-three championship series. Texas will need to win just once to reach the championship series for the third time in four years. UCLA's Alexis Ramirez and Sofia Mujica hit solo homers. The Bruins (55-13) were trying to become the first semifinalist from the Big Ten since Michigan in 2015. ___ AP college sports:
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Tennessee overcomes controversial call, defeats UCLA to reach Women's CWS semifinals
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Laura Mealer's RBI single in the ninth inning gave Tennessee a 5-4 win over UCLA on Sunday that lifted the Volunteers into the Women's College World Series semifinals and eliminated the Bruins. The game nearly had a controversial finish. Advertisement UCLA's Megan Grant hit a two-run blast with two outs in the top of the seventh inning that appeared to tie the score at 4-all. There was an umpire review that appeared to involve whether or not Grant touched home plate. After a nearly 15-minute delay, the home run ruling was upheld because it was determined on the field that the runs were scored, and the home plate umpire announced that the play was not reviewable. Had Grant been called out, the game would have ended with Tennessee winning 4-2. Even after giving up the homer, Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens recovered and went the distance for the win. The first-team National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American gave up four earned runs on 11 hits and struck out seven. She threw 148 pitches. Taylor Pannell's two-run homer put Tennessee up 4-2 in the fifth to help set up the dramatic ending. She had three hits. Tennessee (47-16) will play Texas on Monday in the semifinals and will have the beat the Longhorns twice to advance to the best-of-three championship series. Texas will need to win just once to reach the championship series for the third time in four years. Advertisement UCLA's Alexis Ramirez and Sofia Mujica hit solo homers. The Bruins (55-13) were trying to become the first semifinalist from the Big Ten since Michigan in 2015. ___ AP college sports:
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Women's College World Series: Tennessee walks off UCLA in extras after dramatic 7th inning
Sunday at the NCAA Women's College World Series came with a pair of win-or-go-home games. The desperate bid to stay alive in the tournament, and advance to the semifinals, came through with plenty of thrills and drama. The first game, between No. 7 Tennessee and No. 9 UCLA, lived up to the hype. The Lady Vols walked off the Bruins with a 5-4 win in extra innings. Advertisement As if that wasn't exciting enough, Tennessee finished the job after a dramatic seventh inning where the Lady Vols blew a two-run lead, and UCLA nearly ended its season on a technicality. Tennessee struck first, with shortstop Laura Mealer hitting a two-run RBI in the first inning to get the Lady Vols on the board. But in the top of the second, UCLA tied things up with a pair of solo homers from catcher Alexis Ramirez and designated player Sofia Mujica. A great defensive effort from both teams kept the score at 2-2 through the first four inning. Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens and UCLA ace Kaitlyn Terry each threw seven strikeouts in the first five innings to keep things even. But then in the bottom of the fifth, the Lady Vols broke through again: A huge two-run homer from third baseman Taylor Pannell gave Tennessee a 4-2 lead. The Lady Vols' hot bats kept going, with the team getting two on base, but Terry was able to close out the inning without any more damage. After a scoreless sixth inning, UCLA had one final chance to keep their season alive at the top of the seventh. After getting two outs, Pickens had to face the Bruins' two best hitters, Jordan Woolery and Megan Grant. Woolery hit a single to keep the momentum going, and then Grant hit a massive two-run bomb to send them both home and tie the game. But then, near-heartbreak for UCLA. While celebrating the homer, Grant stepped right over the plate, forgetting to touch it. Ramirez, who was on deck, noticed that Grant had missed the plate and led her back to step on it, but Ramirez's assistance was another violation. With two outs already, the mistake could have ended the Bruins' season right there. Advertisement Tennessee asked the officials to review the ruling, leading to a nearly 10-minute stoppage. However, despite the very lengthy review, the umpires upheld the call that Grant was safe, saying that Grant did miss the plate but that the play was not reviewable, as stated by a niche addendum in the rulebook. Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly, and the Lady Vols fans, were not pleased by the ruling. But the game continued, with Tennessee quickly getting the final out and setting up a potential walk-off. Pannell nearly finished the game right from the jump, smashing a ball towards the ball fence that went just foul. But even with two batters on base, UCLA was able to get a crucial double play to end the inning and keep things moving into extras. The stalemate continued in the eighth inning, with both teams unable to break through despite some key chances. Advertisement With two outs at the top of the ninth, second baseman Savannah Pola and Woolery both got on base after driving singles that went just past the infield, and had bases loaded after Pickens intentionally walked Grant. But despite the opportunity, Ramirez grounded out on the next at-bat to send Tennessee back to the plate. In the bottom of the ninth, Pannell hit a double that hit the very top of the wall, and bounced back into the park — so close to a walk-off homer. (Another review confirmed the double.) After an intentional walk, and a slightly less intentional walk, from UCLA reliever Taylor Tinsley, Tennessee had the bases loaded with one out. Advertisement And then, the moment: Mealer, who gave the Lady Vols their first points of the game, hit a beautiful single to send Pannell home and give Tennessee the 5-4 walk-off win. Tennessee will now move on to play Texas in the semifinals on Monday, but will have to beat the Longhorns twice in order to advance.
