University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vols Swing into Fall Ball Action
September 23, 2026 | Softball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball hits the diamond at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium this weekend, Friday and Sunday, as it opens fall ball action against Walters State and Lipscomb.
First pitch against Walters State on Friday is slated for 6 p.m. ET, followed by a 3:30 p.m. start time on Sunday versus Lipscomb.
For fans attending Sunday's contest, please note the No. 9-ranked Lady Vols soccer team plays host to third-ranked Vanderbilt next door at Regal Soccer Stadium. Kickoff for the match is at noon, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Admission is free to all fall contests, with gates opening one hour prior to first pitch. Note: Gates will not open on Sunday, Sept. 27, until 3:15 p.m. Restrooms will be open, but concessions will not be available for fall softball games.
The Lady Vols return nine starters from last year's squad, including All-American pitcher Sage Mardjetko and fellow ace Erin Nuwer. The duo combined for 31 wins and eight shutouts in 2026, with Mardjetko posting a 16-3 record, 171 strikeouts and a 1.26 ERA en route to NFCA First Team All-America honors. Nuwer went 15-1 with 90 strikeouts and a 1.01 ERA.
Tennessee also returns Sophia Knight, who led all players with a .394 batting average last season. Three of the Lady Vols' top four home run hitters from 2026 are back in Emma Clarke (14), Alannah Leach (13) and Gabby Leach (10).
Tennessee's full fall schedule is listed below. Dates and times are subject to change. All times are Eastern.
September 27 – Lipscomb – 3:30 p.m.
October 2 – Carson-Newman – 6 p.m.
October 9 – Northeast Alabama – 6 p.m.
October 10 – Northwest Florida State – 1 p.m.
October 11 – Roane State – 1 p.m.
October 18 – @Middle Tennessee – 3 p.m.
October 23 – Lee University – 6 p.m.
First pitch against Walters State on Friday is slated for 6 p.m. ET, followed by a 3:30 p.m. start time on Sunday versus Lipscomb.
For fans attending Sunday's contest, please note the No. 9-ranked Lady Vols soccer team plays host to third-ranked Vanderbilt next door at Regal Soccer Stadium. Kickoff for the match is at noon, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Admission is free to all fall contests, with gates opening one hour prior to first pitch. Note: Gates will not open on Sunday, Sept. 27, until 3:15 p.m. Restrooms will be open, but concessions will not be available for fall softball games.
The Lady Vols return nine starters from last year's squad, including All-American pitcher Sage Mardjetko and fellow ace Erin Nuwer. The duo combined for 31 wins and eight shutouts in 2026, with Mardjetko posting a 16-3 record, 171 strikeouts and a 1.26 ERA en route to NFCA First Team All-America honors. Nuwer went 15-1 with 90 strikeouts and a 1.01 ERA.
Tennessee also returns Sophia Knight, who led all players with a .394 batting average last season. Three of the Lady Vols' top four home run hitters from 2026 are back in Emma Clarke (14), Alannah Leach (13) and Gabby Leach (10).
Tennessee's full fall schedule is listed below. Dates and times are subject to change. All times are Eastern.
TENNESSEE 2026 FALL SCHEDULE
September 25 – Walters State – 6 p.m.September 27 – Lipscomb – 3:30 p.m.
October 2 – Carson-Newman – 6 p.m.
October 9 – Northeast Alabama – 6 p.m.
October 10 – Northwest Florida State – 1 p.m.
October 11 – Roane State – 1 p.m.
October 18 – @Middle Tennessee – 3 p.m.
October 23 – Lee University – 6 p.m.
Players Mentioned
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Sunday, May 17
Saturday, May 16
