AUBURN, Ala. — Tennessee was eliminated in the SEC Tournament quarterfinal by LSU, 2-1, on Thursday in Auburn, Alabama.
The Lady Vols' matchup with the Tigers was delayed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to lightning and rain in the area. LSU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Ali Newland hit an RBI single to put the Tigers up early.
Tennessee would have an opportunity with Kiki Milloy up in the bottom of the second with a runner on first and second base with two outs. She popped out to centerfield though and the Tigers held their lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the score was the same. The Lady Vols once again had a runner on first and second base with two outs. LSU pitcher Kelley Lynch dialed up a huge strikeout to end the inning.
In the top of the fifth inning, LSU's Taylor Pleasants lined a ball to center field. Kiki Milloy tried to make a sliding catch but was unable to complete it. LSU had two runners on and it scored a run from second base for a 2-0 lead.
Tennessee had a runner on first and second base with two outs once again in the bottom of the fifth inning. This time they cashed in. Sophia Nugent singled to center field to drive home a run. That trimmed the lead to 2-1.
With a runner on second and third base, Taylor Pannell struck out to end the inning with UT down 1.
In the top of the sixth inning, LSU had a runner-in-scoring position on second base with one out. Karlyn Pickens re-entered the game to pitch for the Lady Vols after starting the game and coming out. She delivered two massive strikeouts to keep the deficit at one run.
However, the Lady Vols could not score again and would go on to lose by a final of 2-1.
Tennessee now awaits their NCAA Tournament seeding and the NCAA selection committee's decision for overall seeding and who will host Regionals and potential Super Regionals.
The NCAA Selection show will be on May 12 at 7 p.m. It will be broadcast on ESPN2.
