Tennessee (45-14) is in its eighth super regional and first since 2019. The Lady Vols are 83-44 all-time in supers and in their 20th NCAA Tournament. Texas (45-13-1) leads the series 5-3.
Friday’s opener is at 4 p.m., followed by Saturday’s game at 3 p.m. and Sunday’s game, if necessary, at a time to be announced. Admission is free. Fans should review policies and use shuttles from Agriculture Campus lots.
Texas’ top three RBI leaders are all true freshmen: Viviana Martinez (52), Reese Atwood (43) and Leighann Goode (41). The Longhorns are the only Division I team in supers with freshmen as its top three RBI leaders.
Tennessee coach Karen Weekly said the team’s experience should help against the youthful Longhorns. The Lady Vols are comfortable at home, with a 25-5 mark at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium this year.
“We have a lot of fifth-year seniors and a lot of juniors that have been in this position before,” Weekly said. “We’re hoping that will give us a little bit of an edge. …We feel very confident playing at home.”
Texas coach Mike White, 205-69-2 in eight seasons, recognizes the challenge. His Longhorns are 9-5 on the road.
“Road games are always tough, and Tennessee is a great team,” White said. “We know we have our hands full this weekend, but we are excited for the opportunity.”
The Lady Vols aim for their 24th World Series appearance, while Texas seeks its seventh trip and first since 2013. Two storied programs with youth and experience look to advance in a super regional with all the excitement and passion of college softball at its best.
