Tennessee rode three solo home runs and a dominant performance in the circle from Karlyn Pickens to a 3-1 victory over Georgia on Thursday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium in the opening game of the Knoxville Super Regional in the NCAA softball tournament.

Pickens was masterful for the Lady Volunteers, pitching a complete game while allowing just one run on seven hits. She struck out 10 batters and walked three. The Tennessee offense provided all the support she needed via the long ball. Sophia Knight started the scoring by leading off the first inning with a home run. Later in the frame, Emma Clarke launched another solo shot to give Tennessee a 2-0 lead. Alannah Leach added an insurance run with her own solo homer in the fifth inning.

Knight finished the day 2-for-4, while Clarke and Leach each went 1-for-3. Makenzie Butt also contributed a single and a walk for the Lady Volunteers.

The Bulldogs got their only run in the second inning when Emily Digby hit a solo home run to cut the deficit to 2-1. Georgia threatened to rally late, loading the bases with one out in the top of the seventh inning after a double from Keirstin Roose (2-for-3 with a walk), an infield single by Jaydyn Goodwin and a hit-by-pitch. However, Pickens escaped the jam, striking out the final two batters to seal the victory.

Georgia starter Addisen Fisher pitched 3⅓ innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Presley Harrison threw 2⅔ innings in relief, surrendering one run on two hits and striking out one.

Up next: Georgia hosts Tennessee for Game 2 on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.

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