OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Tennessee’s return to the Women’s College World Series begins with a familiar challenge.
The Lady Vols will open WCWS play against Texas, the same program that ended Tennessee’s season in Oklahoma City a year ago. This time, Tennessee enters the matchup with one of the nation’s deepest pitching staffs, postseason momentum, and recent experience against the Longhorns.
Still, beating Texas and ace Teagan Kavan will require nearly flawless softball in a matchup expected to be dominated by pitching and defense.
Here are three keys to the game for Tennessee:
Attack Teagan Kavan early
Tennessee cannot afford to spend the opening innings adjusting to Kavan.
Kavan is 18th in the country in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 4.11 with an ERA of 2.47 which is top 60 nationally.
Former Lady Vol Rylie West said the approach against the Texas ace has to be aggressive immediately, especially because Tennessee has already seen Kavan multiple times over the last two seasons.
“You have to immediately go in and attack that pitcher,” West said.
West believes Tennessee’s offense must focus on manufacturing runs rather than waiting for home runs. The Lady Vols have relied on bunts, slap hits, aggressive baserunning, and situational hitting throughout the postseason. Those elements may become even more important against a Texas pitching staff that rarely gives up explosive innings.
Sophia Knight’s recent offensive surge could also become a factor. After entering the super regional round without a home run this season. Knight homered twice against Georgia and expanded the ways opposing pitchers must attack her.
If Tennessee can create early pressure and avoid falling behind in counts, the Lady Vols could force Texas into uncomfortable situations before Kavan settles into rhythm.
Use Tennessee’s pitching depth
Texas brings one of the country’s most dangerous offenses into Oklahoma City, averaging nearly nine hits per game and featuring multiple power threats in the top of the lineup.
That makes Tennessee’s depth in the circle one of its biggest advantages.
Rather than allowing Texas hitters to get comfortable against one pitcher, West expects Tennessee to utilize multiple arms throughout the game. Karlyn Pickens, Sage Mardjetko, and Erin Nuwer all offer different looks, different movement, and different speeds.
“You never want them to get too comfortable,” West said.
The Longhorns are led by the SEC Player of the Year in Katie Stewart who has blasted 27 home runs this season, followed by Kayden Henry who’s batting .417 on the season.
West said Tennessee’s ability to immediately recover after allowing baserunners has become one of the pitching staff’s defining traits late in the season.
Against a Texas lineup capable of making in-game adjustments quickly, Tennessee’s pitchers will need to mix speeds early, limit free passes, and continue forcing weak contact.
Defend cleanly under pressure
In a matchup expected to feature limited scoring opportunities, defense could decide the outcome.
Texas has the offensive ability to pressure Tennessee’s infield, especially as the Lady Vols continue adjusting to defensive changes made during the postseason. Ella Dodge, Emma Clarke, and McKenzie Butt all have taken on major defensive responsibilities throughout Tennessee’s run to Oklahoma City.
“Mistakes are going to happen,” West said. “Someone is going to boot a ball one time in the World Series.”
If Tennessee can pressure Kavan early, maximize its pitching depth, and play clean defensively, the Lady Vols will give themselves a strong opportunity to begin their WCWS run with a statement win against the defending national runner-up.
