Behind dominant pitching by Sage Mardjetko and a clutch home run from Sophia Nugent, No. 7 Tennessee advanced to its third straight NCAA Super Regional with a hard-fought win.

In a postseason filled with intensity and anticipation, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers once again rose to the occasion, earning a hard-fought victory to secure a spot in their third consecutive NCAA Super Regional. Behind the stellar pitching of freshman sensation Sage Mardjetko and the timely power of catcher Sophia Nugent, the No. 7-ranked Lady Vols solidified their status as one of the nation’s premier softball programs.

The victory wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. It was a display of grit, discipline, and championship-caliber resilience. The crowd at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium witnessed another chapter in Tennessee’s growing legacy under head coach Karen Weekly, and the team delivered in ways that define championship DNA.

Sage Mardjetko: A Star in the Circle

At the heart of Tennessee’s dominant performance was pitcher Sage Mardjetko. The freshman hurler has quickly become one of the key anchors of the Lady Vols’ pitching staff this season. With the stakes high and the margin for error razor-thin, Mardjetko delivered one of her most impressive outings of the year.

In seven scoreless innings, she allowed just two hits while striking out 15 batters. Her command, poise, and relentless presence in the circle made it virtually impossible for the opposing lineup to generate any offense. From the first pitch to the final out, Mardjetko controlled the tempo of the game.

What made her performance even more impressive was her ability to adapt and remain calm in pressure moments. Any time Indiana State threatened to generate momentum, Mardjetko responded with pinpoint accuracy and strikeout pitches that silenced their hopes. It was the kind of pitching performance that sets the tone for deep postseason runs—and for a freshman to do it on that stage says a lot about her competitive makeup.

Throughout the season, Mardjetko has emerged as a dependable starter for Tennessee, and in the regional round, she elevated her game to another level. Her ability to mix speeds, locate pitches, and read hitters was on full display. Mardjetko’s dominance gives Tennessee a critical edge heading into the Super Regionals.

Sophia Nugent: Power When It Counts

While pitching often anchors postseason success, clutch hitting is just as vital—and that’s exactly what Sophia Nugent delivered.

In the bottom half of a tight game, with momentum hanging in the balance, Nugent stepped to the plate and crushed a game-changing home run to left-center field. It wasn’t just a powerful swing—it was a moment that electrified the crowd, widened the lead, and shifted the momentum firmly in Tennessee’s favor.

For Nugent, a transfer from Oklahoma, this was another reminder of the experience and leadership she brings to this Lady Vols lineup. Her postseason pedigree and ability to rise to the moment are what make her such a valuable asset to this team. Throughout the season, Nugent has delivered in high-pressure situations, and her latest heroics further cemented her role as a clutch contributor.

Beyond the home run, Nugent’s presence behind the plate also played a role in the team’s defensive success. Her chemistry with Mardjetko, pitch framing, and ability to control the running game added another layer to the Vols’ all-around performance.

A Team That Knows How to Win

While Mardjetko and Nugent were the standout performers in the box score, Tennessee’s win was ultimately the product of a total team effort. Timely hitting up and down the lineup, strong defensive plays in the field, and well-timed substitutions all contributed to the hard-fought victory.

The infield remained sharp, turning key double plays to end threats and fielding bunts cleanly when the pressure was on. The outfield showed range and accuracy, preventing extra-base hits and keeping runners in check. Even the bench players were vocal and locked in, maintaining energy and focus throughout the contest.

Head coach Karen Weekly deserves immense credit for the way she managed the game. Her confidence in Mardjetko to pitch a complete game, her defensive shifts, and lineup decisions all worked to perfection. Weekly’s postseason experience has been pivotal in building Tennessee into a perennial Super Regional team, and she continues to mold this group with discipline, accountability, and belief.

The Road to the Super Regional: Consistency and Grit

This is Tennessee’s third straight trip to the NCAA Super Regionals—a feat that few programs in the country can match. The path to postseason consistency is never easy. It requires strong recruiting, rigorous preparation, and the ability to navigate the highs and lows of a grueling schedule.

Over the last few seasons, Tennessee has built a reputation for being one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the nation. Whether it’s through dominant pitching, timely offense, or lockdown defense, the Lady Vols have consistently found ways to win.

This year has been no different. With standout players like Kiki Milloy, Zaida Puni, and McKenna Gibson leading the offensive charge throughout the regular season, the Vols have combined veteran leadership with emerging talent like Mardjetko to create one of the most well-rounded rosters in college softball.

The win in the regional round showcased the depth and determination of this group. Every player understands their role, and no moment is too big for them.

What Lies Ahead: Super Regional Expectations

With their regional victory secured, the Lady Vols now set their sights on the NCAA Super Regionals. They will likely face a tough opponent—potentially another Top 10 program—and the intensity will only increase. But if Tennessee’s recent performance is any indication, they are ready for the challenge.

The pitching staff, led by Mardjetko and supported by veterans like Payton Gottshall and Karlyn Pickens, will give Tennessee a chance in every game. Offensively, the power and clutch hitting of Nugent, Milloy, and others provide enough firepower to change games with one swing.

The Lady Vols have all the ingredients of a team poised to make a deep run in the Women’s College World Series. Their experience, balance, and chemistry give them a clear edge, and the lessons learned in past Super Regionals could be the difference this time around.

More than just talent, this team plays with a palpable sense of purpose. They don’t flinch in big moments, and they never stop believing in each other. That mindset—combined with top-tier performances like Mardjetko’s and Nugent’s—could very well propel them to Oklahoma City.

Final Thoughts

The Lady Vols’ win to secure a third straight Super Regional appearance was a showcase of everything that makes Tennessee softball special. A dominant pitcher rising to the moment. A fearless hitter delivering when it matters most. A coaching staff pulling all the right strings. And a team that plays with heart, intelligence, and competitive fire.

Sage Mardjetko may be just a freshman, but she pitched with the confidence of a veteran. Sophia Nugent continues to prove why she’s one of the most clutch hitters in the game. And together, with the support of a battle-tested squad, they’ve put Tennessee one step closer to the ultimate goal: a national championship.

The road ahead will be tough—but so is this team.

And as they’ve shown once again, when the lights are brightest, the Lady Vols shine the most.