Ole Miss pitcher Kyra Aycock in action Saturday in Knoxville.
And just like that, the Ole Miss softball team seems to have found its SEC gear. The Rebels did that by taking the series on Saturday with a 2-1 win at Tennessee. The victory marked the third win in a row for the Rebels, who improved to 23-14 (2-9, SEC). The Lady Vols dropped top 29-5 (6-5 SEC).
Ole Miss has now taken two of the scheduled three games in Knoxville. The two teams meet again on Sunday with first pitch set for 12:30 p.m. CT as Ole Miss goes for the sweep.
The rebels scored both of their runs and all they would need in the top of the third. Laylonna Applin broke then ice with game’s first run when she crossed the plate on a fielder’s choice. Ryan Starr then scored on a fielder’s choice off the bat of McKenzie Pickens and the Rebs led 2-0.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss starting pitcher Kyra Aycock was throwing darts and most importantly serving up outs to the Volunteers. Aycock (9-6) worked a complete game, scattering six hits along the way, walking three and striking out two. Ole Miss played error-free defense behind her.
The Rebels celebrate their series-clinching win over Tennessee on Saturday.
Ole Miss managed just two hits off of Tennessee starter Karly Pickens but made them count. Applin and shortstop Cassie Reasner hit safely and Ole Miss smartly took advantage of a Volunteer error four walks. Pickens (7-3) earned a tough-luck loss in the circle as Aycock weaved a gem.
BOTTOM LINE
Anyone who thought this team was not capable, failed to understand the schedule it faced in the early going. This is the fourth straight weekend that Ole Miss has squared off with someone ranked inside someone’s top five. It’s RPI rating is out of this world and today’s win only improves it.