The Lady Vols opened the 2026 Women's College World Series with a statement win, beating the reigning champion Longhorns 6-3 in Thursday's Tennessee vs Texas softball WCWS showdown at Devon Park.
The result sends Tennessee into the WCWS winner's bracket while forcing the Longhorns to the brink of early elimination.
Morrison, Mardjetko Push Tennessee Past WCWS Champion Texas
Freshman Elsa Morrison powered the Lady Vols early in the contest.
In the second inning, Morrison launched a massive three-run home run off Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan to break a scoreless tie. Morrison subsequently continued her hot streak, hitting a deep double off the wall to up the WCWS score.
Sophomore pitcher Sage Mardjetko earned the victory in the circle, allowing just one hit through four frames.
And the decision to start the NFCA All-American over Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens seemed to rattle the Longhorns from the jump.
"It just goes to the confidence and preparation that I've had all season," Mardjetko said of her first-ever WCWS start. "Softball is softball. It just goes back to trusting yourself, the preparation you put in day in and day out."
Texas mounted a late-inning response when senior second baseman Leighann Goode drilled a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth. However, Pickens came in as the Lady Vols' closer to shut down the rally and secure the win.
Texas Softball Faces Softball World Series Bracket Elimination
Tennessee now advances to face a 2025 runner-up Texas Tech on Saturday afternoon.
Texas, meanwhile, faces immediate pressure. The Longhorns now drop into the elimination bracket as they shoot to revive their title defense with a win over tournament underdog Mississippi State.
Fans can watch every 2026 WCWS matchup on ESPN.
