As impressive as Tennessee has been this month in the NCAA softball tournament, winning five games by the combined score of 42-6, the Lady Vols have been equally as emotional away from the diamond.
Perhaps the unique construction of this 49-8 team bound for the Women’s College World Series plays a role in that.
The two top pitchers for the Lady Vols are fifth-year senior Ashley Rogers and senior Payton Gottshall, who have combined for a sparkling 33-2 record, with Rogers having decided last June to use an extra season of eligibility despite having already graduated with honors. The former Meigs County ace is 18-1 with an 0.75 earned run average entering her first trip to Oklahoma City, and she is also the Southeastern Conference’s Scholar Athlete of the Year.
“This has meant the absolute world to me,” Rogers said in a news conference after Friday’s 5-2 win over Texas in the opening game of the super regional inside Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. “They took a chance on me my sophomore year of high school to come represent my home state and the people who I love so much here.
“We’re not done yet, and I’m so excited to be able to continue this journey. This journey has been such a blessing, and this season especially.”