Tennessee softball is on to the 2026 Women’s College World Series Semifinals after beating Texas Tech 2-1 via a walk-off home run in extra innings. It was a swing from Emma Clarke that lifted the Lady Vols to the win in the bottom of the ninth.
After the game, Lady Vols head coach Karen Weekly and players Clarke, Karlyn Pickens and Sage Mardjetko met with the media to field questions. This of course, involved Clarke’s big swing.
“Just so much joy,” Clarke said about her reaction. “I had so many thoughts. But I immediately just looked up and started to give God all the glory because I’m so grateful to be in this position, to be on this team with these people, to be able to have opportunities to be in moments like this even when they don’t work out. It’s literally such a blessing. I just couldn’t do it without the girls to my left and right.”
Pickens started the game and pitched 6.2 innings, not allowing a run until the seventh. Her final line sat at one earned run, five allowed hits, six strikeouts and three walks. Mardjetko came in in relief, posting 2.1 innings with no allowed runs, no hits, two walks and two strikeouts.
Texas Tech also sent head coach Gerry Glasco, former Lady Vol Taylor Pannell and infielder Mia Williams to the podium.
More From RTI: WATCH: Tennessee Softball’s Emma Clarke Lifts Extra-Inning, Walk-Off Home Run in WCWS
Here are the videos of the press conferences:
Tennessee HC Karen Weekly, INF Emma Clarke, P Karlyn Pickens, P Sage Mardjetko
Texas Tech HC Gerry Glasco, INF Mia Williams, INF Taylor Pannell
