Tennessee Lady Vols Defeat Nebraska in Super Regionals, Punch Ticket to Women’s College World Series

Knoxville, TN – May 25, 2025

In a scene of pure joy and determination, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team secured their place in the 2025 Women’s College World Series with a thrilling win over Nebraska in the NCAA Super Regionals. Fueled by dominant pitching, timely hitting, and the relentless energy of a team on a mission, the Lady Vols proved once again why they’re among the elite programs in college softball.

With a 7–3 win in Game 2 of the best-of-three Super Regional series, Tennessee swept Nebraska and booked their trip to Oklahoma City for the third time in the last four seasons. The victory not only extended their postseason run but also marked a statement performance by head coach Karen Weekly’s squad—a group that has been steadily building toward a national title.

The Game: A Dominant Display

From the first pitch of Saturday’s clincher, Tennessee looked like a team ready to make history. Freshman pitcher Sage Mardjetko took center stage once again, delivering a mature, composed performance far beyond her years. In front of a packed Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, Mardjetko pitched six solid innings, giving up just two earned runs and striking out seven. Her ability to locate pitches and keep the Huskers off-balance was instrumental in silencing a Nebraska lineup that had battered its way through the Regional round.

On offense, Tennessee delivered the knockout blows early. After loading the bases in the second inning, senior catcher Sophia Nugent stepped to the plate and launched a no-doubt grand slam over the left-field fence—a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy and put the Lady Vols firmly in command at 4–0.

“That’s a moment I’ll never forget,” Nugent said. “All year long, we’ve talked about capitalizing when we get the chance. I just wanted to put a good swing on it and let my teammates know—we’re not going home.”

Nugent’s heroics were backed up by strong performances from Kiki Milloy, McKenna Gibson, and Zaida Puni, all of whom reached base multiple times. Puni added a two-run single in the fifth to extend the lead, and the defense remained sharp throughout the contest, turning two double plays to stifle any Nebraska momentum.

Road to Oklahoma City

For Tennessee, this season has been a testament to depth, culture, and resilience. Despite being loaded with returning talent, the Lady Vols also integrated a group of freshmen—like Mardjetko and infielder Gianna O’Brien—who have made immediate impacts.

Their road to Oklahoma City hasn’t been without challenges. After a strong regular season that included key wins over SEC rivals Alabama, LSU, and Florida, Tennessee entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 7 national seed. They swept their way through the Knoxville Regional, defeating Miami (OH) and Virginia Tech twice, setting the stage for a marquee Super Regional matchup with a surging Nebraska team that upset No. 10 seed Duke.

Nebraska brought energy and experience, but Tennessee’s combination of power, pitching, and postseason poise proved too much.

A Legacy of Success, A Future of Promise

This Super Regional win is the latest chapter in a storied program’s resurgence under head coach Karen Weekly, who has rebuilt Tennessee softball into a national contender after a transitional phase in the late 2010s. Weekly, now in her 23rd season at the helm, was emotional after the final out.

“I’m so proud of these young women,” she said. “They’ve bought into the process, supported each other, and trusted the work we’ve put in all year. Getting back to Oklahoma City is always special, but this group has a chance to do something really big.”

Tennessee’s last Women’s College World Series appearance came in 2023, where they reached the national semifinals before falling to eventual champion Oklahoma. That memory still lingers for returning players like Milloy and Puni, who now see this run as a chance for redemption.

“We remember what that felt like,” Milloy said. “To get so close and come up short—we’ve been carrying that with us all year. This time, we’re going to finish what we started.”

The MVPs: Nugent, Mardjetko, and Team Chemistry

While the entire roster deserves praise for the Super Regional sweep, two players stood out as MVPs: Sophia Nugent and Sage Mardjetko.

Nugent, a transfer from Oklahoma who has blossomed into a team leader, has been clutch all postseason. Her leadership behind the plate has helped guide the pitching staff, while her bat has delivered in pressure-packed moments. The grand slam in Game 2 was her third homer of the tournament and eighth of the season.

Mardjetko, meanwhile, has solidified herself as one of the nation’s best freshman arms. Her ability to command the zone, induce weak contact, and pitch with confidence in high-stakes moments gives Tennessee a legitimate ace heading into the WCWS.

But perhaps the most important ingredient to Tennessee’s success has been their team chemistry. Whether it’s the way players rally behind each other in the dugout, their postgame dances, or the mentorship between veterans and freshmen, the Lady Vols have built something rare—a genuine family culture that fuels their performance on the field.

SEC Strong: Conference Dominance Continues

Tennessee’s win also adds to the SEC’s already impressive postseason showing. With Alabama, Florida, and LSU also making deep runs, the SEC continues to prove it is the premier conference in college softball. Tennessee, however, remains the lone SEC team to sweep its Regional and Super Regional without a loss.

“I think playing in the SEC prepares you for this,” Puni said. “Every weekend is a battle. We’ve faced the best all year, and we’ve grown because of it. Now we’re ready to take on the best in the country.”

Looking Ahead: WCWS Preview

Tennessee will now travel to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series, set to begin May 30. The Vols will face off against some of the nation’s most elite programs, including perennial powers UCLA, Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida State.

Early projections have Tennessee facing the winner of the Stillwater Super Regional, likely No. 2 seed Oklahoma State. Regardless of opponent, the Lady Vols will bring momentum, confidence, and a hungry roster.

“We’re not just happy to be going,” Weekly said. “We’re going there to win.”

With a pitching staff led by Mardjetko and veteran arms like Payton Gottshall and Karlyn Pickens, plus an offense that can explode at any time, Tennessee has all the tools to compete for the national championship.

A Championship Within Reach

There’s something special happening in Knoxville.

From the roar of the home crowd to the grit of the players, this Tennessee team has the look of a champion. Whether it’s the leadership of stars like Sophia Nugent and Kiki Milloy, the emergence of young talent like Mardjetko, or the steady hand of Karen Weekly, the Lady Vols are peaking at the right time.

“We’ve believed in this all season,” Weekly said during the on-field celebration. “Now it’s time to go finish the job.”

Tennessee softball is not just back—it’s roaring toward greatness.

Key Stats from Super Regional:

• Sage Mardjetko: 6.0 IP, 7 K, 2 ER
• Sophia Nugent: 1-for-3, Grand Slam, 4 RBI
• Kiki Milloy: 2-for-4, 2 Runs, 1 SB
• Team Batting Average (Series): .343
• Team ERA (Series): 1.75
• Fan Attendance (Game 2): 2,874 (Sellout)