Tennessee softball’s season came to an unfortunate end on Monday evening. The Lady Vols needed one win in two games against Texas, but lost a pair instead to fall just short of reaching the Women’s College World Series national championship set of games.
Afterward, Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly met with the media to field questions. Alongside her were Lady Vols star pitcher Karlyn Pickens and second baseman Emma Clarke
Pickens sees her storied career come to a close. The multi-time SEC Pitcher of the Year and First-Team All-American threw all six innings while allowing four runs to cross. Clarke went 1-for-4 in the first game, driving in a run, and 1-for-3 in the second game.
“I’m really proud of our team, really proud of our team,” Weekly said. “I think a lot of people counted us out, didn’t think we’d get here. We certainly had our ups and downs during the season. Then, when we got here, probably thought we wouldn’t make much noise, and we made a lot of noise.
“I told them in the locker room, there’s never any words to say that’s going to ease the pain, but I think for our team, the pain is because it’s the end of them being together. It’s the end of them being together. Absolutely, they want to win a National Championship, but I think it’s just as much they want to be together another day, and that’s where the sadness comes from. We’re grateful that we’re here. We’re grateful we’re in a position to be sad because a lot of teams aren’t.”
Texas also sent head coach Mike White, pitcher Teagan Kavan, catcher Reese Atwood and pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez to field questions.
More From RTI: Tennessee Softball’s Season Ends in Consecutive Disappointing WCWS Semifinals Losses to Texas
Here are the videos of the press conferences:
Tennessee HC Karen Weekly, P Karlyn Pickens
Texas HC Mike White, P Teagan Kavan, C Reese Atwood, P Citlaly Gutierrez
