3 Things to Know: Nebraska vs. Tennessee in Knoxville Super Regional
Nebraska softball (42-13, 17-5 Big Ten) advanced to its first Super Regional since 2014. The Huskers went undefeated in the Baton Rouge Regional and posted three run-rules. The Knoxville Super Regional features Nebraska and No. 7 Tennessee (43-14, 15-9 SEC) at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
The first game is on Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2. Game two of the best two-out-of-three regional is on Saturday, May 24 at 4 p.m. CT on ESPN. If a third game is needed, it will be on May 25. The time and TV will be announced later.
The winner advances to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla., which starts on May 29.
Nebraska softball heading to Super Regional, run-rule Southeastern Louisiana 8-0
The Lady Vols took down Miami (Ohio) 17-0 and Ohio State twice, winning 4-2 and 5-0 in the regional final. Nebraska run-ruled UConn 10-2 and Southeastern Louisiana 14-1 and 8-0. SLU upset No. 10 seed LSU to advance to the regional final.
Here are three things to know about the Nebraska vs. Tennessee regional.
A must-see pitcher battle – Bahl vs. Pickens
Nebraska ace Jordy Bahl and Tennessee’s starter Karlyn Pickens are two of the best pitchers in the country. Bahl vs. Pickens could be one of the best pitcher battles in the Super Regionals.
Bahl leads the Huskers with a 1.50 ERA, ranked sixth nationally, and has a 25-6 record in the circle. She has led batters to a .151 batting average in 186 1/3 innings. At the plate, she has a program-record 23 home runs, 76 hits and 69 runs. She reached base every time in the Baton Rouge regional and hit four home runs.
Pickens is the Softball America Pitcher of the Year. She has a nation-leading 0.90 ERA and a 22-8 record in 2025. The junior has given up five home runs in 186 1/3 innings. The SEC Pitcher of the Year will be tested vs. Nebraska’s high-power offense. She will pitch to Bahl, who has a .475 batting average. That battle alone is worth the price of admission.
Top 10
- 1New
USC Booster
Threatens Trojans over Notre Dame
- 2
Top 25 coaches
Ranking top HCs in CFB
- 3Hot
Trump commission
White House pauses talks
- 4Trending
College Football Playoff
Seeding changes expected
- 5
SEC Baseball Tournament
Updated bracket
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Huskers bested UT in first game
Nebraska softball upset No. 6 Tennessee in the season’s first game for both teams. The Huskers shocked UT with a 7-1 win in the NFCA Leadoff Classic.
Bahl pitched seven innings, allowing five hits, one earned run and struck out seven. In Pickens’ five innings, she gave up five hits and struck out 11. Nebraska scored five runs with Pickens in the circle, but none were earned. UT had two errors.
The Lady Vols do not want their season to end how it started. Just like Nebraska, they are a better team than they were in February.
Can Nebraska’s offense crack Pickens?
The 2025 Huskers have the best offense in Nebraska history. They hold Nebraska’s home run record (106) as well as records for run-rule decisions (25), extra-base hits (216) and have a shot at many more. But they’ve struggled against great pitchers this season.
Pickens is an outstanding pitcher and makes minimal errors. Her defense is also strong. The Lady Vols have a .975 fielding percentage, 13th best nationally, with only 37 errors this season. The Huskers’ offense needs to capitalize on Tennessee’s minimal mistakes.
Can Nebraska’s offense get it done in a close game? They will likely have to advance to the WCWS.
