Texas coach Mike White knows his team faces a battle in Knoxville. Milloy has hit 25 home runs and leads the Volunteers with a .427 average, 55 RBI and a 1.007 slugging percentage this season. “Well, they have a student-athlete who has hit 25 home runs and that’s big right there,” White said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a 20-home run hitter. (Kiki Milloy) is special.”
While Milloy’s numbers are eye-popping, White hopes the Longhorns can limit her damage. “Well, she’s not batting 1.000. She’s batting under .500, so she’s making an out half the time. We just have to make sure we get the half.”
Beyond facing a potent Tennessee offense, Texas will miss the support of their home fans at McCombs Field. Redshirt freshman Ashton Maloney said, “I’ll miss the fans more than anything. It’s just nice having a home crowd, home fans behind us. Obviously, playing away is a challenge within itself, but not being able to have our home crowd can be difficult.”
The Longhorns have their work cut out for them against a very talented Tennessee team on the road. But if Texas can get runners on base, score early and contain Milloy, they’ll have a shot at pulling off the upset and advancing to the WCWS. The best-of-three Super Regional series begins Friday at 3 p.m. ET in Knoxville.
