Nugent and Mardjetko Propel No. 7 Lady Vols to 14th Super Regional Appearance
The 2025 NCAA Softball season has been a testament to the resilience and talent of the No. 7 Tennessee Lady Vols, culminating in their 14th Super Regional appearance. At the heart of this achievement are senior catcher Sophia Nugent and sophomore pitcher Sage Mardjetko, whose performances have been instrumental in Tennessee’s success.
Sophia Nugent: A Senior Leader’s Impact
Sophia Nugent’s journey to Tennessee has been marked by significant achievements. After transferring from Oklahoma, where she secured two national championships, Nugent has become a cornerstone of the Lady Vols’ lineup. In the 2025 season, she has delivered several standout performances:
- March 18, 2025: Nugent homered twice and drove in a career-high six RBIs to lead No. 7 Tennessee to an 8-0 run-rule victory over Eastern Kentucky. She went 2-for-2, scoring twice, and hit a two-run shot in the second inning, followed by a grand slam in the third .
- May 2, 2025: In a crucial game against Texas A&M, Nugent homered twice, including a solo shot and a three-run blast, contributing significantly to Tennessee’s 5-1 victory .
- March 29, 2025: Facing her former team, No. 2 Oklahoma, Nugent delivered a two-run homer in the eighth inning, leading Tennessee to a 5-2 extra-inning upset over the Sooners
Nugent’s leadership and clutch performances have been pivotal in Tennessee’s journey to the Super Regionals.
Sage Mardjetko: Dominance in the Circle
Sage Mardjetko’s transition from South Carolina to Tennessee has been seamless, with her pitching prowess becoming a defining feature of the Lady Vols’ success. Her 2025 season statistics highlight her dominance:
- May 2, 2025: Mardjetko earned the win against Texas A&M, allowing one run on six hits over five innings, striking out three
- May 17, 2025: In the Knoxville Regional final against Ohio State, Mardjetko pitched a complete game shutout, leading Tennessee to a 5-0 victory and securing their spot in the Super Regionals .
Mardjetko’s consistent performance and ability to deliver under pressure have been instrumental in Tennessee’s advancement.
Team Dynamics and Coaching Excellence
Under the guidance of head coach Karen Weekly, the Lady Vols have demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience throughout the season. The pitching staff, featuring Mardjetko, Karlyn Pickens, and newcomer Erin Nuwer, has been instrumental in Tennessee’s success. The team’s collective ERA of 1.70 ranks among the best in the nation, reflecting their dominance in the circle.
Offensively, players like Taylor Pannell, with a .443 batting average and 14 home runs, and Saviya Morgan, leading in stolen bases, have complemented Nugent’s contributions, creating a balanced and potent lineup.
Looking Ahead
As the Lady Vols prepare for the upcoming Super Regional, the performances of Mardjetko and Nugent will be crucial. Their leadership, both on the mound and at the plate, sets the tone for the team’s aspirations. With a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent, Tennessee is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, aiming for their first College World Series appearance since 2023.
The 2025 season has been a testament to the dedication and skill of the Lady Vols, and with players like Mardjetko and Nugent leading the charge, the future looks promising for Tennessee softball.
