Tennessee softball’s 2026 Women’s College World Series run begins on Thursday. The No. 7 Lady Vols will meet No. 2 Texas in the opening round in Oklahoma City.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the WCWS matchup, including a score prediction.
How To Watch: No. 7 Tennessee softball (47-10, 16-8 SEC) vs. No. 2 Texas (47-11, 16-8 SEC)
- First pitch: 2:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Broadcasters: Beth Mowins (PxP), Michele Smith (Analyst), Jessica Mendoza (Analyst) and Holly Rowe (Sideline)
Projected Starting Lineups
Most recent batting order used by both teams
Tennessee:
CF Sophia Knight
3B Ella Dodge
2B Emma Clarke
DP Alannah Leach
1B Makenzie Butt
C Elsa Morrison
RF Gabby Leach
SS Bella Faw
LF Taelyn Holley
Texas:
CF Kayden Henry
1B Katie Stewart
SS Viviana Martinez
C Reese Atwood
2B Leighann Goode
DP Hannah Wells
RF Ashton Maloney
LF Kaiah Altmeyere
3B Jaycie Nichols
More From RTI: What Karen Weekly, Tennessee Softball Said Ahead of 2026 WCWS Opener vs. Texas
Top Pitchers
Tennessee:
Karlyn Pickens – 1.53 ERA, 15-7 (31 app, 15 gs)
Sage Mardjetko – 1.12 ERA, 14-2 (28 app, 20 gs)
Erin Nuwer – 0.99 ERA, 15-1 (26 app, 17 gs)
Texas:
Teagan Kavan – 2.47 ERA, 24-5 (39 app, 32 gs)
Citlaly Gutierrez – 2.21 ERA, 9-3 (22 app, 9 gs)
What Tennessee HC Karen Weekly Said
Opening statement
“Just great to be here. No better place to be this time of year than Oklahoma City. Really happy to do it with this group of young women. I don’t know that I’ve ever had a team where everybody is such a great teammate and really embraces the role they’re called upon to play. Just really proud of them and excited to get going and playing ball tomorrow.”
On the extra time before the WCWS
“I think, when you get that Thursday, Friday, Saturday, it’s a bit of a rush on the front end, getting ready to play, knowing you don’t have that extra day of prep. If you’re fortunate enough to win it in two, it’s a lot of nice rest and relaxation, and it’s crazy, Friday you’re celebrating, going to the World Series, and three Supers haven’t even started competing yet.
“So I think it made for a more relaxing Saturday and Sunday. We flew out here on Monday for the first time, and I think that’s helped us a lot just settle in and get comfortable here and not feel rushed.”
On what stands out about Texas
“Well, interestingly, Supers we faced Georgia, didn’t face them in regular season, and we did not face Texas in regular season. Of course we saw plenty of them last year during season and here in the World Series.
“Just a phenomenal team from top to bottom, every facet of the game. Teagan Kavan, obviously one of the best pitchers in the game. Gutierrez, another one. I remember when Texas came to our place in 2023 for Supers and all their seniors now were freshmen, and I remember then thinking that is going to be an exceptional team as those women get more experience. Obviously they won the National Championship last year.
“Their offense is very dynamic. They’ve got the righty power. They’ve got the lefties who can spray the ball all over the field, hit with power, run really, really well. They have a little bit of everything. You don’t expect anything less here at the World Series. They’re going to be a tough opponent to beat, but I think our team will be ready for the challenge.”
More From RTI: WATCH: Tennessee Softball HC Karen Weekly Previews WCWS, Opener vs. Texas
Prediction
This game will come down to Tennessee’s offense. The Lady Vols’ pitching has been consistent, and I expect them to hold Texas’ bats in check to a certain extent. The question is whether Tennessee can score enough even with strong pitching.
I’ll side that the Lady Vols will come through at the plate. We’ve seen some power hitting through the regional and super regional rounds, they’ll just need to create more two and three-run shots rather than only solo home runs.
Tennessee will throw everything it has at this game, too. If you lose the first game of the WCWS, it creates a really tough hole to dig out of. It’s not clear which pitcher will start for the Lady Vols, but don’t be surprised if we see both First-Team All-Americans, Karlyn Pickens and Sage Mardjetko.
Tennessee 5, Texas 3
