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3d ago

Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens Challenges Oklahoma’s Title Chase as WCWS Opens

The opener at Devon Park features Oklahoma’s potent lineup against a Tennessee rotation led by a junior whose 79.4 mph pitch reset the NCAA record.

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Overview

  • Oklahoma kicks off its bid for a record fifth consecutive WCWS title when it faces Tennessee at Devon Park on Thursday.
  • Karlyn Pickens enters the series with a 24-9 record, 1.00 ERA and an NCAA-record 79.4 mph fastball, elevating Tennessee’s championship hopes.
  • In March, Pickens dominated Oklahoma over two games in Norman, posting 12 strikeouts and limiting the Sooners to four runs in 12⅔ innings.
  • The Sooners counter with a powerful lineup led by sophomores Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering, both batting above .400 as the team ranks second nationally in homers.
  • Ole Miss stands out as the only unseeded team after upsets over Arizona and Arkansas, offering a surprise storyline in the eight-team double-elimination field.