No. 4 Lady Vols kick off SEC Tournament against No. 5 seed Arkansas at Jack Turner Stadium in Athens, Georgia.

As the 2025 SEC Softball Tournament approaches, all eyes are on the No. 4 Lady Vols as they prepare to take on the No. 5 seed Arkansas Razorbacks at Jack Turner Stadium in Athens, Georgia. The stakes couldn’t be higher. This game not only marks the beginning of the postseason for Tennessee but is also a crucial battle to secure a strong position heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Vols have had a standout season thus far, and their performance in this SEC Tournament will serve as a final statement of their title aspirations.

For head coach Karen Weekly and her team, this is the culmination of months of hard work, strategic planning, and individual excellence. Let’s break down the Lady Vols’ journey to this point, how they’ve fared against Arkansas this season, and what to expect in this highly anticipated matchup.

The Road to Athens: A Strong Season for the Lady Vols

Coming into the SEC Tournament as the No. 4 seed is a testament to the hard work the Lady Vols have put in throughout the regular season. Tennessee has been one of the most consistent teams in the SEC, dominating much of the competition with their powerful offense and solid pitching rotation. Tennessee’s overall record sits at 42-9, and they finished with a 17-7 record in SEC play. This success has been a result of a well-rounded team effort, with standout players stepping up when it mattered most.

Tennessee’s offense has been powered by some of the nation’s top hitters, including Kiki Milloy, who has consistently been a driving force in the Lady Vols’ lineup. Milloy, who has been a stalwart for Tennessee in both the outfield and at the plate, will be crucial as they look to take on Arkansas’ pitching staff.

On the mound, Tennessee’s pitching staff has been led by Ashley Rogers, one of the top pitchers in the country. Rogers’ ability to control games, keeping hitters off balance and limiting hard contact, will be critical against an Arkansas lineup that is known for its offensive firepower.

Key Players to Watch

• Kiki Milloy (OF): Milloy is one of the best players in college softball. A strong hitter with speed, she brings a lot of energy to the Lady Vols’ offense. Milloy’s ability to produce at the top of the order and create scoring opportunities will be critical to Tennessee’s success.
• Ashley Rogers (P): Rogers has been Tennessee’s ace for the past few seasons. Her ability to shut down opposing offenses and keep games within reach will be crucial. Look for her to set the tone in the circle during the SEC Tournament.
• Zaida Puni (INF): Puni has provided consistent production for Tennessee, showing the ability to deliver clutch hits and create pressure on opposing defenses. Her bat could play a key role in providing run support for the pitching staff.
• Rylie O’Brien (C): O’Brien has been an essential part of Tennessee’s success behind the plate. She is not only an excellent catcher but also a dangerous hitter in the middle of the lineup.

Arkansas Razorbacks: A Tough Foe

Arkansas, as the No. 5 seed in the tournament, is no slouch. The Razorbacks have been a formidable opponent this season, boasting a 40-12 overall record and a 15-9 mark in SEC play. Under head coach Courtney Deifel, Arkansas has become one of the top teams in the SEC, known for its potent offense and aggressive playstyle. The Razorbacks are a team that can beat you in multiple ways, and Tennessee will have to be prepared for a battle.

A major strength of Arkansas lies in its offensive depth. The Razorbacks have a lineup filled with power hitters, speedsters, and players who know how to manufacture runs. Key players like Hannah Gammill, who is having an outstanding season, have been vital to Arkansas’ success. Gammill leads the team in batting average and home runs, and her presence in the lineup makes Arkansas a constant threat.

In addition to Gammill, Arkansas has a strong pitching staff led by Mary Haff, one of the SEC’s best pitchers. Haff has been effective in the circle, boasting a low ERA and a good strikeout-to-walk ratio. If Haff is able to control the game, it could make things difficult for Tennessee’s offense.

Overall, the matchup between the Lady Vols and Arkansas will feature contrasting styles. While Tennessee’s strength lies in its well-rounded play and pitching depth, Arkansas thrives on explosive offensive performances. This clash of styles will be one of the most intriguing aspects of the game.

Key Players to Watch for Arkansas

• Hannah Gammill (INF): Gammill has been one of the best hitters in the SEC this year, and her presence in the middle of the lineup gives Arkansas a strong offensive backbone. Expect her to be a key contributor in the game against Tennessee.
• Mary Haff (P): Haff has been the leader of Arkansas’ pitching staff. As one of the best pitchers in the conference, she can shut down an opposing offense with her repertoire of pitches. Her performance in the SEC Tournament will be crucial to Arkansas’ success.
• Linnie Malkin (OF): Malkin has been an excellent table-setter for Arkansas, using her speed to get on base and create opportunities for the power hitters behind her. Tennessee will need to limit her on base to avoid giving Arkansas extra chances to score.

How Tennessee Can Win

To succeed in this matchup and advance in the SEC Tournament, Tennessee will need to focus on a few key areas:

1. Offensive Execution

Tennessee’s offense is one of the best in the country, but to succeed in the postseason, they’ll need to execute in high-pressure situations. The Lady Vols will need to be patient at the plate, working counts and taking advantage of Arkansas pitchers’ mistakes. They will also need to be aggressive on the basepaths, using speed and athleticism to manufacture runs.

While Tennessee has been strong offensively, they must remain disciplined against Arkansas’ pitching staff. Mary Haff, in particular, can be a game-changer, so Tennessee must ensure they make the most of their at-bats when she’s in the circle.

2. Pitching Depth

Tennessee’s pitching staff, led by Ashley Rogers, will play a crucial role in this game. Rogers will likely get the start, but head coach Karen Weekly could turn to Payton Gottshall or Megan Gibbons if needed. The key for Tennessee’s pitching staff will be limiting Arkansas’ powerful hitters and avoiding long innings. Keeping the Razorbacks off the board will allow Tennessee’s offense to settle in and find its rhythm.

Rogers’ ability to shut down Arkansas’ offense early will set the tone for the entire game. She’ll need to keep hitters guessing and get outs quickly, as the Razorbacks are dangerous once they get runners on base.

3. Defensive Consistency

In any high-stakes postseason game, defensive errors can cost a team dearly. Tennessee’s defense has been solid this season, but the Lady Vols cannot afford to make mental mistakes against a team like Arkansas, who will capitalize on any opportunity. Clean play in the infield, on the basepaths, and in the outfield will be critical for Tennessee to limit Arkansas’ scoring chances.

The Lady Vols will also need to focus on preventing Arkansas from stealing bases, as the Razorbacks are a team that uses speed to their advantage. Ensuring that Rylie O’Brien and the rest of the Lady Vols’ defense can control the running game will be crucial in neutralizing Arkansas’ offense.

What’s at Stake

This matchup between Tennessee and Arkansas isn’t just about a spot in the SEC Tournament semifinals—it’s about laying down a marker for the NCAA Tournament. The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in the country, and how teams perform in the conference tournament can have a direct impact on their NCAA seeding.

For Tennessee, a win would solidify their place as one of the top teams in the nation and set them up for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. It would also provide a boost of confidence heading into the rest of the postseason.

For Arkansas, a win would prove their mettle and show they can compete with the best of the best. It would boost their chances of an at-large bid if they fall short of a championship, but also provide them with valuable momentum as they head into the national tournament.

Final Thoughts

As the Lady Vols prepare to face Arkansas in the SEC Tournament, it’s clear that this is more than just another game on the schedule—it’s an opportunity to define their postseason destiny. With strong individual performances, a well-rounded team effort, and a focus on the fundamentals, Tennessee has the potential to make a deep run in the SEC Tournament and set themselves up for success in the NCAA Tournament.

The game against Arkansas is sure to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams bringing their best to the field. For Tennessee, it’s an opportunity to prove they have what it takes to be national champions. For Arkansas, it’s a chance to make a statement and continue their successful season.

One thing is for sure—Jack Turner Stadium will be buzzing with excitement as two of the SEC’s best teams go head-to-head in what promises to be an unforgettable matchup.