Tennessee softball safely into regional final with shutout win over Oregon State

Tennessee softball is safely into the regional final as host of the Knoxville Regional after starting the NCAA Tournament 2-0. On Friday, the Vols dispatched of Campbell with a 9-1 win before facing Oregon State on Saturday.

Facing the Beavers, Tennessee leaned on its pitching and defense in a low-scoring pitchers dual. The Vols would score three runs, all coming in the top of the 5th inning.

McKenna Gibson started the scoring with a clean RBI single that scored Katie Taylor. Taylor was pinch-running for catcher Kelcy Leach.

Scoreless no more!@mckennakgibson knocks in @kltaylor18 with a rocket to left

@SECNetwork
https://t.co/fyDj9ktol7 pic.twitter.com/twBMxYrBqX

— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) May 21, 2022

After that, Kiki Milloy provided some insurance runs with a big fly. Milloy cleared the scoreboard in left field with a huge home run to make it 3-0.

OVER THE SCOREBOARD

That’s what we love to see, @KikiMilloy!

@SECNetwork
https://t.co/fyDj9ktol7 pic.twitter.com/G7lKZ3DK3p

— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) May 21, 2022

In the field, Ivy Davis turned a slick double play to eliminate a scoring threat of the Beavers.

Ivy “- ” Davis turns a big-time double play!

@SECNetwork
https://t.co/fyDj9ktol7 pic.twitter.com/spUaUp963w

— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) May 21, 2022

That nice play by Davis was about the only help Ashley Rodgers would need on the mound. Rodgers went the distance with just 2 hits allowed and 8 strikeouts without issuing a walk.

Now, the Vols advance into the regional final needing one win in two chances on Sunday to advance. The first game on Sunday is set for a 2 pm ET first pitch.

feelin’ good, like we should 😆 pic.twitter.com/eNGitpsgGN

— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) May 21, 2022

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.