Tennessee Softball Thrills: Lady Vols’ Dramatic Walk-Off Win Sends Them to WCWS

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee softball is back in the national spotlight as the No. 7 Lady Vols opened the 2025 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) with a heartbreaking 4-3 walk-off loss to No. 2 Oklahoma at Oklahoma City’s Devon Park on Thursday, May 29. Red-hot ace Karlyn Pickens fanned eight Sooners, but Oklahoma’s Ella Parker spoiled her day by launching a three-run homer in the seventh inning — only the eighth long ball Pickens has surrendered all season. Tennessee had built its lead behind first-inning RBI from Taylor Pannell and transfer slugger Sophia Nugent, plus a third-inning insurance run from McKenna Gibson. Why the Lady Vols Still Control Their WCWS Fate • Double-elimination format: Tennessee slides into Game 5 on Friday, May 30 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2) to meet the loser of Florida–Texas. A win keeps Karen Weekly’s squad alive for a Saturday elimination showdown. • Proven bounce-back ability: UT escaped last week’s Knoxville Super Regional after dropping Game 1 to Nebraska, then rattled off back-to-back Pickens gems and two clutch homers from redshirt freshman Ella Dodge to punch its WCWS ticket. • Deep pitching staff: Behind Pickens’ 0.98 ERA postseason mark, senior Payton Gottshall (1.72) and freshman lefty Ava Giles provide swing options for pressure innings. Key Players to Watch Karlyn Pickens — NCAA fastball record-holder (76 mph) and SEC Pitcher of the Year finalist, owns 285 strikeouts against just 71 walks. Ella Dodge — Hitting .414 with runners in scoring position during the tournament; two HR vs. Nebraska proved her big-game mettle. Taylor Pannell — Leads Tennessee with 23 doubles and supplies elite defense at the hot corner. Historic Stakes This is Tennessee’s ninth WCWS appearance and second in three seasons. The program carries a 17-17 all-time record in Oklahoma City and seeks its first national crown after runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2013. Remaining 2025 WCWS Schedule (ET) • Fri, May 30 – Game 5: Tennessee vs. Florida/Texas loser, 7 p.m., ESPN2 • Sat, May 31 – Game 10 (if Tennessee advances), 7 p.m., ESPNU • Mon–Wed, June 2–4 – Championship Finals How to Watch & Listen Television: ESPN family of networks (check local listings). Streaming: ESPN App, FuboTV. Radio: Vol Network on AM 990, UTSports.com, UT Gameday app. SEO Takeaway Fans searching for “Tennessee softball WCWS schedule,” “Lady Vols vs Oklahoma recap,” or “Karlyn Pickens strikeout record” will find up-to-date scores, player stats, and broadcast info here — everything needed to stay on top of the Lady Vols’ road to a potential national title.