The Lady Vols defeat Georgia in the series to begin SEC play.

The University of Tennessee Lady Vols have once again proven why they are a force to be reckoned with in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as they defeated the University of Georgia Bulldogs in a hard-fought series to kick off the 2025 SEC softball season. The series showcased not only the high-level competition that is synonymous with SEC play but also the resilience and skill of the Lady Vols, who are hungry for success this season.

As the first conference series of the year, the Lady Vols’ series win over Georgia set the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign. With impressive pitching, stellar defense, and explosive offense, Tennessee demonstrated its ability to compete at the highest level. The Bulldogs, known for their tough, scrappy play, proved to be a worthy opponent, but the Lady Vols’ combination of experience, talent, and heart proved to be too much for Georgia to handle.

Game 1: Lady Vols’ Dominance on Display

The opening game of the series, played at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium in Knoxville, saw the Lady Vols come out with energy and focus from the start. Tennessee’s pitcher, senior Payton Gotz, put on an impressive performance, keeping the Georgia batters off balance and allowing just two hits over seven innings. Gotz was in complete control throughout the game, mixing pitches well and keeping Georgia’s hitters from finding any rhythm. Her command of the strike zone was a key factor in the Lady Vols’ ability to maintain control throughout the contest.

Offensively, Tennessee came out swinging early. The Lady Vols took advantage of an error by Georgia’s shortstop in the first inning to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. The Bulldogs struggled to find their footing defensively, and Tennessee capitalized on the mistakes, adding another run in the third inning.

Junior outfielder Bailey White had a standout game, driving in two runs with a double to deep center field, which gave the Lady Vols a comfortable 5-0 lead. Freshman infielder Harper Blanton also contributed with a solo home run in the fifth inning, further putting the game out of reach for Georgia.

The Lady Vols’ offense, which had been explosive throughout the early part of the season, showed no signs of slowing down in SEC play. Their patient approach at the plate, combined with timely hitting, allowed them to capitalize on any opportunity Georgia presented.

By the time the final out was recorded, Tennessee had secured a dominant 7-1 victory. The win was a complete team effort, with excellent pitching, strong defense, and timely hitting all coming together to deliver a convincing triumph.

Game 2: Georgia Fights Back

Game 2 of the series presented a different challenge for the Lady Vols. The Georgia Bulldogs were not going to roll over after a tough loss, and they came out with a renewed sense of purpose. Junior pitcher Olivia Chapman took the mound for Georgia, and she gave the Lady Vols all they could handle. Chapman was able to keep Tennessee’s offense at bay for much of the game, limiting them to just five hits over the course of six innings.

For Tennessee, it was sophomore pitcher Sydney Shuler who took the ball in Game 2. Shuler had been excellent in non-conference play, but the SEC is a different animal, and she would need to prove herself on the big stage. Unfortunately for Tennessee, Georgia’s offense was able to break through in the fourth inning, with a two-run home run from Georgia’s senior third baseman, Maddy Stevenson.

That home run seemed to ignite the Bulldogs, and they would add another run in the sixth inning, pushing their lead to 3-0. Tennessee was unable to generate much offense against Chapman, and they found themselves trailing late in the game.

However, the Lady Vols are never a team to be counted out, and they showed their resilience in the bottom of the seventh inning. With two outs, junior infielder Kelsey McKinney delivered a clutch double to left center to give Tennessee a chance to tie the game.

The stage was set for one of the most dramatic moments of the series: with the tying run on second base and two outs, the sophomore designated hitter, Izzy Salazar, came to the plate. Salazar, who had been a key contributor to Tennessee’s offense all season long, took a deep breath, stepped into the batter’s box, and worked the count to 3-2. On the sixth pitch of the at-bat, Salazar crushed a line drive to center field that scored McKinney from second base, tying the game at 3-3.

The crowd at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium erupted as Tennessee had found a way to battle back. With the momentum now in their favor, the Lady Vols were able to load the bases and win the game on a walk-off single from senior captain Rachel Foster. The final score: 4-3 in favor of Tennessee.

While the win was exhilarating, the Lady Vols knew they had faced a stiff challenge in the Bulldogs. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and execute in the clutch was a testament to their experience and mental toughness.

Game 3: The Lady Vols Seal the Series

With the series tied at 1-1, the stage was set for a decisive Game 3. For both teams, the outcome would have major implications on their momentum moving forward in SEC play. Tennessee knew it needed to win this game to establish itself as a contender in the SEC. Georgia, on the other hand, was fighting to avoid dropping the series and losing ground early in the conference race.

Tennessee’s ace, junior Riley Spencer, took the mound for the final game of the series. Spencer had been a dominant force for the Lady Vols in the early season and was ready to prove herself on the SEC stage. From the first pitch, it was clear Spencer was locked in. She struck out six Georgia batters through the first three innings and allowed just one hit. Her command of the strike zone was impeccable, and she mixed her pitches effectively, making it difficult for Georgia to mount any offense.

While Spencer was dealing on the mound, Tennessee’s offense wasted no time in putting runs on the board. In the bottom of the second inning, the Lady Vols strung together a series of hits, including a two-RBI single by senior catcher Leah Daniels that put Tennessee up 3-0. Georgia’s pitching staff, which had been effective in the first two games, seemed rattled, as the Lady Vols took advantage of several walks and an error to build a commanding lead.

By the time the fourth inning rolled around, Tennessee had stretched its lead to 6-0. Georgia’s defense, which had been solid throughout the first two games, was showing signs of fatigue. A few misplays, combined with Tennessee’s aggressive base-running, allowed the Lady Vols to continue building their advantage.

With a six-run lead and Spencer continuing to dominate, the Lady Vols looked poised to seal the series with a convincing win. However, Georgia refused to go quietly. In the top of the sixth inning, the Bulldogs mounted a brief rally, scoring two runs on back-to-back singles. But Spencer was able to regain her composure and retire the next three batters in order, ensuring that Tennessee’s lead remained intact.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Lady Vols put the game out of reach with a three-run outburst, capped off by a two-run triple from sophomore outfielder Emma Watts. The Lady Vols’ offense had been explosive throughout the series, and they continued to pour it on in the final game.

Tennessee secured the 9-2 victory, sealing the series win and earning their first SEC series win of the season. The Lady Vols’ performance in the series was a complete one: from stellar pitching to powerful hitting and flawless defense.

Looking Ahead

The Lady Vols’ sweep of the opening SEC series against Georgia was a statement. They had shown they could win in a variety of ways, from dominant pitching to late-game heroics. With a combination of veterans and young talent, Tennessee looks poised to continue its success in the SEC this season.

For head coach Karen Weekly, the series win was a sign of the growth of her team. “This was a big step for us,” she said after the game. “Georgia is one of the top teams in the conference, and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But our players showed incredible composure, and they didn’t back down when it got tough. This team has a lot of heart, and that’s something you can’t teach.”

With their sights set on an SEC championship, the Lady Vols will continue to focus on improving with each game. The series win against Georgia was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season in the SEC.

As the Lady Vols move forward, their focus will remain sharp, their confidence high, and their determination unwavering. The road to the SEC title is long, but with performances like this, the Lady Vols have already demonstrated they are one of the teams to beat.

The Lady Vols have the tools to make a deep run this season, and the Georgia series was just a glimpse of what’s to come.