Aycock Leads Ole Miss to Series Win Over No. 4 Tennessee in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Kyra Aycock pitched a complete game to lift Ole Miss softball to a 2-1 victory over No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday afternoon at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The win marked the Rebels’ first series win over the Lady Vols in Knoxville since 2022.

Aycock allowed just one unearned run on six hits and struck out two batters. She outdueled Tennessee starter Karlyn Pickens, who took the loss despite her efforts. Mackenzie Pickens drove in the only run for Ole Miss, providing the game-winning RBI.

The Rebels, with a 23-14 record and 2-9 in SEC play, jumped ahead in the third inning. Laylonna Applin singled to start the inning, and Ryan Starr drew a walk. Taylor Malvin reached on a fielder’s choice, loading the bases with no outs. Kennedy Bunker then popped up but dropped the ball in the left field, allowing Applin to score. Pickens responded with an RBI on a fielder’s choice, extending Ole Miss’s lead to 2-0.

Tennessee responded in the fifth inning. A leadoff double followed by a passed ball allowed Sophia Knight to drive in a run, cutting the lead to 2-1. The Lady Vols threatened again in the sixth but were unable to push across the tying run. Aycock induced a double play and a groundout to escape the inning.

The Rebels will attempt to sweep the series Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, which will be streamed on SEC Network Plus. Ole Miss aims to secure its first series win over Tennessee in three years.

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