Lady Vols Advance to Super Regionals After Dominant Sweep of 2025 Knoxville Regional in Front of Home Crowd

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team continued their impressive postseason run by winning the 2025 NCAA Knoxville Regional, sweeping through the competition with poise, power, and resilience. Backed by a raucous crowd at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, the Lady Vols punched their ticket to the Super Regionals with a dominant showing that reflected their championship aspirations and team unity. After entering the regional as the top seed, Tennessee left no doubt that they were one of the best teams in the country.

Tennessee opened the Knoxville Regional with a statement, defeating Northern Kentucky 9-1 in five innings. It was a showcase of their complete game: explosive offense, solid defense, and shutdown pitching. Sophomore pitcher Payton Gottshall was electric in the circle, striking out seven and allowing just three hits in a run-rule victory. The offense wasted no time putting pressure on Northern Kentucky, with Zaida Puni launching a towering three-run homer in the first inning that set the tone. Kiki Milloy followed with a two-run blast in the third, reminding everyone why she is one of the most dangerous hitters in college softball. By the time the fifth inning rolled around, Tennessee had built an insurmountable lead, allowing head coach Karen Weekly to rest some starters and conserve arms for the rest of the weekend.

Game two pitted the Lady Vols against Indiana, a team that had just come off a close win against Virginia. But the Hoosiers were no match for Tennessee’s balance and depth. Gottshall was again outstanding, this time pitching a complete-game shutout, holding Indiana to just four hits while fanning ten batters. The Lady Vols offense was slightly more methodical in this matchup, but no less effective. McKenna Gibson sparked the scoring with a two-run double in the second inning, and Alynah Torres added a solo shot in the fifth. Defensively, Tennessee made several highlight-reel plays, with left fielder Katie Taylor making a diving catch that robbed Indiana of extra bases and preserved the shutout. The Lady Vols walked off the field with a 4-0 win and a spot in the regional final.

By Sunday, the message was clear: one more win and Tennessee would move on to the Super Regionals. Facing Indiana again in the final, the Lady Vols knew they would see a more aggressive, desperate opponent. But if the pressure of the moment was felt, it didn’t show. In front of a packed house filled with orange and white, Tennessee delivered a 6-2 victory that showcased their experience, their patience, and their belief in one another.

This time, it was true freshman pitcher Karlyn Pickens who got the nod. Pickens, who had been gradually earning more high-leverage innings throughout the season, rose to the occasion with composure and command. She pitched six strong innings, giving up just two earned runs while striking out eight. Weekly’s decision to go with Pickens proved once again that this Tennessee team’s success lies not only in its star power but also in its depth.

Offensively, it was another balanced attack. Milloy drew two key walks and scored both times, setting the table and using her elite speed to create havoc on the bases. Puni added another multi-hit performance, and Gibson stayed hot with a two-run homer in the sixth that all but sealed the game. Tennessee’s bench was lively the entire game, a clear indicator of their tight-knit chemistry. Every hit, every defensive gem, and every strikeout was met with high fives, screams, and chants that echoed throughout the stadium.

By the seventh inning, fans were already celebrating. When the final out was secured—a routine grounder to shortstop Rylie West—the Lady Vols mobbed each other in the infield, celebrating not only a regional championship but also a sense of unfinished business. Their 2024 season ended in heartbreak at the Super Regionals, but this team, with many of the same core players and a few key additions, seems primed to take the next step.

Much credit goes to head coach Karen Weekly, who has guided the program to consistent success. In her 23rd season at the helm, Weekly has developed a culture of excellence that values fundamentals, team-first mentality, and an aggressive but smart style of play. She spoke after the game about how proud she was of her team’s maturity and focus throughout the regional.

“I told them before this tournament started: this is your house, your crowd, and your time,” Weekly said. “They played with heart, they played for each other, and they didn’t let any moment get too big. That’s what championship teams do.”

The Lady Vols improved to 48-8 on the season with the regional sweep and extended their home winning streak to 22 games. Sherri Parker Lee Stadium has been a fortress all season, and the Knoxville crowd played its part during the weekend. Fans showed up early, packed the outfield viewing areas, and roared with every big play. The electric atmosphere was an undeniable advantage, one that players and coaches alike acknowledged with gratitude.

“Our fans are the best in the country,” Milloy said after the game. “They make this place special. When we step onto this field, we feel like we can beat anybody.”

With the regional behind them, the focus now shifts to the Super Regionals. Tennessee will host the next round as well, facing a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Regardless of who comes to Knoxville, the Lady Vols will enter the series as one of the top remaining contenders in the tournament. Their combination of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, elite pitching, and consistent offense makes them a tough out for any opponent.

Pitching has been a particular strength. Gottshall and Pickens give Tennessee two legitimate aces, and junior Erin Edmoundson provides a reliable third option with postseason experience. Defensively, Tennessee is among the most sound teams in the nation, and that consistency has allowed them to stay composed even in tight situations. Offensively, the team can hurt opponents in multiple ways. Whether it’s small ball, power hitting, or drawing walks, the Lady Vols have an adaptable approach that suits postseason play.

Beyond the on-field performance, there is something deeper driving this team. After coming up short in 2024, many players returned with the goal of changing the narrative. Seniors like Milloy, Gibson, and Puni have taken it upon themselves to lead not only with their play but also with their example. They have welcomed young players, trusted the coaching staff’s decisions, and held themselves accountable for the team’s goals.

That unity has been clear throughout the season, but it was never more evident than during the Knoxville Regional. From the smallest details—like how players picked up each other after a strikeout—to the big moments—like Puni’s home run or Pickens’ strikeout to end the sixth—the Lady Vols looked like a team in sync with itself and on a mission.

As the celebrations wind down and preparations begin for the Super Regional, one thing is certain: Tennessee is a team to be reckoned with. Their sweep through the 2025 Knoxville Regional wasn’t just about winning—it was about making a statement. A statement that this program belongs in the national title conversation. A statement that last year’s heartbreak has only made them stronger. A statement that they are far from finished.

If the Knoxville Regional is any indication, the Lady Vols aren’t just trying to get back to Oklahoma City. They’re trying to win it all.