It was a tough weekend for the 3rd ranked team in the country as the #3 Tennessee Lady Vols traveled to Fayetteville for a 3 game series against the #12 Arkansas Razorbacks. After The Lady Vols won on Saturday they would go on to drop two straight on Sunday and Monday. This is the first time the Lady Vols have an SEC Series in 2023.
Graduate pitcher Ashley Rogers tossed a two-hit gem Saturday at Bogle Park as the third-ranked Lady Vols took game one against No. 12 Arkansas, 3-1. Tennessee (39-5, 17-2 SEC) collected four hits off Arkansas ace Chenise Delce en route to its ninth straight win.
The third-ranked Lady Vols made a late push Sunday afternoon at Bogle Park, but fell short, 6-4, against No. 12 Arkansas. Tennessee (39-7, 17-3 SEC) entered the seventh inning down four runs and pushed two across the plate to cut the lead in half, but Razorback ace Chenise Delce shut the door and preserved the win for UA. Payton Gottshall suffered her first loss of the season and is now 11-1 on the year. She threw 5.1 innings, allowing six runs on six hits with a pair of walks and four strikeouts.
For the first time this season the third-ranked Lady Vols dropped an SEC series as they fell to No. 12 Arkansas, 2-0, Monday night at Bogle Park. Tennessee (39-7, 17-4 SEC) dropped its first SEC series since April 30 – May 2, 2022, – having won seven consecutive series dating to last season. Freshman Karlyn Pickens got the start for UT and pitched well, allowing just two runs on a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning – the only runs scored on the night. The hard-throwing righty gave up four hits and two walks but fanned six Razorbacks over 5.2 innings of work. She suffered the loss and is 8-5 on the year.
The Lady Vols return home to SPL for their final regular season weekend, playing host to South Carolina May 5-7. Saturday’s game will feature a pregame ceremony for Tennessee’s seniors.