The NCAA Softball Super Regional in Knoxville is set to showcase a thrilling pitching duel between two of the nation’s top talents: Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens and Nebraska’s Jordy Bahl. This matchup not only highlights elite athleticism but also underscores the personal journeys that have led these athletes to this pivotal moment.
🔥 The Pitching Powerhouses
Karlyn Pickens has been a standout for Tennessee, earning consecutive NFCA SEC Pitcher of the Week honors and leading the Lady Vols with a 1.82 ERA and 12 wins this season. Her performance has been instrumental in Tennessee’s advancement to the Super Regionals.
Jordy Bahl, a former Oklahoma star, transferred to Nebraska in 2023, citing homesickness and a desire to grow the sport in her home state. Despite a season-ending ACL injury in 2024, Bahl returned in 2025 with remarkable resilience, posting a 23–5 record and a 1.46 ERA. She also made history by becoming the first player in Big Ten Conference history to be named both Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year in the same season.
🏟️ A Clash of Titans
This series marks a significant rematch from earlier in the season when Nebraska defeated Tennessee 7–1 at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, with Bahl contributing both as a pitcher and a hitter. The upcoming games in Knoxville promise to be a high-stakes contest between two formidable teams led by exceptional pitchers.
đź“… Super Regional Schedule
The Tennessee vs. Nebraska Super Regional is scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 22, at 7:00 PM ET, with the potential for a decisive Game 3 on Saturday, May 24. All games will be broadcast on ESPN platforms.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated series, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Pickens and Bahl, whose performances could be the key to their team’s success in advancing to the Women’s College World Series.
