Ole Miss Softball Shuts Down No. 5 Tennessee, Advances to SEC Quarterfinals

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Ole Miss softball defeated fifth-ranked Tennessee 4-1 Wednesday at John Cropp Stadium, thanks to stellar pitching from Kyra Aycock and Emilee Boyer. The Rebels improved to 34-23 overall and 6-18 in SEC play.

Aycock and Boyer combined to limit the Lady Volunteers to four hits and one earned run. Aycock also walked three and struck out four. The Rebels’ offense was led by Madi George, who drove in two runs.

After a scoreless first inning, Tennessee scored in the second with an RBI single. Aycock escaped further damage with a groundout to end the inning. The Lady Vols threatened again in the third, loading the bases, but Aycock induced an infield fly and a groundout to keep the score at 1-0.

Ole Miss responded in the fourth, with back-to-back singles from Mackenzie Pickens and Persy Llamas. George then reached on an error by Tennessee, allowing Pickens to score and tie the game. Tenly Grisham followed with an RBI single, giving the Rebels a 2-1 lead.

In the fifth, Ole Miss extended its lead. Walks to Ryan Starr, Pickens (hit-by-pitch), and Llamas set the stage for George, who singled to drive home two runs. Boyer took over in relief and retired the side, sealing the victory. She finished the game with a strikeout to end Tennessee’s rally.

The Rebels face Texas in the SEC quarterfinals Thursday at 4 p.m. CT, a game set to be televised on the SEC Network. Ole Miss will look to continue their postseason run behind their pitching staff and clutch hitting, according to team officials.

Follow Ole Miss softball updates on their official social media channels and website for more information about the tournament and upcoming games.

Source: Original Article