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No. Tennessee Softball, Texas A&M Wrap Up Regular Season: Live Updates from Sherri Parker Lee Stadium
By [Your Name] | May 4, 2025 | Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes are on Knoxville where No. 5 Tennessee (42–9, 18–5 SEC) faces off against No. 12 Texas A&M (39–12, 15–8 SEC) in the series finale at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. It’s senior day for the Lady Vols, and emotions are high as fans pack the stadium for one last look at this dominant squad before the SEC Tournament.
This weekend series has already delivered thrills and high-stakes drama, with Tennessee taking Game 1 in walk-off fashion and Texas A&M rebounding in Game 2 with a statement win. Sunday’s finale will determine not just bragging rights, but potentially seeding implications for the postseason.
We’re bringing you live updates, key plays, player reactions, and behind-the-scenes moments as Tennessee and Texas A&M close out the regular season.
Senior Day Festivities:
Fans filled the stands early as the Lady Vols honored seniors Kiki Milloy, Zaida Puni, McKenna Gibson, and Payton Gottshall. Emotions ran high during player tributes and highlight reels. Each senior received a framed jersey and a standing ovation from the packed home crowd.
Head Coach Karen Weekly Speaks:
“Our seniors have meant everything to this program. They’ve elevated the standard, brought intensity every day, and created a legacy that’ll live far beyond this season.”
TAMU Top 1st:
Texas A&M leadoff hitter Rylen Wiggins works a full count against Tennessee starter Payton Gottshall and lines a double to left-center to open the game. Gottshall settles in with a strikeout and groundout, but a walk to Keely Williams puts two on with two outs. Gottshall strands both runners with a nasty changeup to get the strikeout and end the threat.
UT Bottom 1st:
The Vols come out aggressive. Kiki Milloy draws a leadoff walk and promptly steals second. Zaida Puni crushes a deep fly to center that moves Milloy to third. McKenna Gibson then ropes a single into right field to plate the first run. Tennessee 1, Texas A&M 0.
TAMU Top 2nd:
Gottshall begins to find her rhythm. Three up, three down with two strikeouts and a lazy popup to second base. Her velocity is up, and the crowd is locked in with every pitch.
UT Bottom 2nd:
Texas A&M starter Emiley Kennedy bounces back with a quick inning, retiring the side in order. Freshman Bella Faw lines out hard to shortstop, but Kennedy’s mix of speeds keeps hitters guessing.
TAMU Top 3rd:
Texas A&M puts runners on again via an infield single and a bunt, but Gottshall is masterful under pressure. She freezes Tori Vidales with a backdoor curve to end the inning, her fifth strikeout of the afternoon.
UT Bottom 3rd:
Milloy reaches on an error and once again causes chaos on the bases. She swipes second and advances to third on a passed ball. Puni brings her home with a sacrifice fly to deep right. Tennessee 2, Texas A&M 0.
TAMU Top 4th:
The Aggies finally break through. A double by Julia Cottrill and a bloop single put runners at the corners. A fielder’s choice scores a run, but Gottshall limits the damage. Tennessee 2, Texas A&M 1.
UT Bottom 4th:
Gibson leads off with a double down the line, but Kennedy strikes out the next two and induces a pop-up to strand her. Still a tight game.
TAMU Top 5th:
Tennessee makes a pitching change. Gottshall exits after 4.1 innings with 7 strikeouts, and ace Karlyn Pickens takes over. Pickens immediately shuts things down with back-to-back strikeouts to end the frame.
UT Bottom 5th:
Milloy continues her perfect day at the plate, lacing a single and stealing second again—her third steal of the day. With two outs, Puni delivers a clutch RBI single through the left side. Tennessee 3, Texas A&M 1.
TAMU Top 6th:
Pickens walks the leadoff batter but responds with pure heat—three strikeouts in a row to strand the runner. The crowd explodes as she pumps her fist walking off the mound.
UT Bottom 6th:
Freshman Ryleigh White pinch hits and sends a towering solo home run over the left field wall! It’s her first career SEC home run and it sends the stadium into a frenzy. Tennessee 4, Texas A&M 1.
TAMU Top 7th:
Last chance for the Aggies. Pickens gets the first two outs on grounders. Cottrill fights off several pitches but ultimately flies out to center. Game over.
The Lady Vols take the rubber match and win the series in front of a raucous home crowd. They close the regular season with a 43–9 record, including a dominant 19–5 mark in SEC play. With the SEC Tournament up next, Tennessee is poised for a deep postseason run.
“This meant everything. To play my final regular-season game here, in front of this crowd, and get the win with my sisters—it’s unforgettable.”
“This team is peaking at the right time. We’ve faced adversity, we’ve grown, and we’re ready for the SEC Tournament. I’m incredibly proud of how our seniors led today.”
“I love the pressure moments. Coming in late, in a tight game, that’s where I feel most alive.”
Key Stats:
| Category | Tennessee | Texas A&M |
|---|---|---|
| Hits | 7 | 5 |
| Errors | 0 | 1 |
| Strikeouts (P) | 12 | 8 |
| Stolen Bases | 3 (Milloy) | 0 |
| HRs | 1 (White) | 0 |
SEC Standings:
With today’s win, Tennessee clinches the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament, trailing only No. 1 LSU. Texas A&M, with a 15–9 conference record, secures the No. 4 seed.
Postseason Outlook:
Both teams are virtual locks for the NCAA Tournament, but Tennessee could now earn a top-8 national seed and host both Regionals and Super Regionals.
Awards Watch:
Milloy and Pickens further cement their candidacies for SEC Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively. White’s emergence adds another weapon to Tennessee’s postseason arsenal.
- Tennessee will have a first-round bye and open play on Thursday, May 8 against the winner of Game 4 (likely Arkansas or Missouri).
- Texas A&M will face the winner of Game 2 on Wednesday, May 7, with a potential rematch looming.
On a day filled with celebration, reflection, and anticipation, Tennessee softball showed why they’re one of the most complete teams in the nation. With dominant pitching, timely hitting, and unmatched energy, the Lady Vols are poised for a deep postseason run.
As seniors like Milloy and Puni take their final bows in Knoxville, a new generation—like Ryleigh White—is already making noise.
The regular season may be over, but the journey is just beginning.
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