Karlyn Pickens fires 79.4 mph pitch, breaks own NCAA softball record
Tennessee Lady Vols flamethrower Karlyn Pickens has broken her own record for the fastest pitch in NCAA softball history. On Sunday, May 25, during the first inning of Tennessee's game against Nebraska, Pickens reached an astonishing 79.4 mph on a pitch to Jordy Bahl — surpassing her previous mark.
Earlier this year, in March, Pickens had already set a new benchmark with a 78.2 mph delivery, eclipsing the long-standing record held by USA softball legend Monica Abbott.
Pickens has not only been lighting up the radar gun this season. The rising star recently earned her second consecutive SEC Pitcher of the Year award after leading the conference in ERA (0.99) and strikeouts (259).
With Pickens leading the charge, the Lady Vols have advanced to the NCAA Women’s College World Series, which begins Thursday, May 29, at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.
NCAA Women's College World Series ready to open
The eight-team field for the 2025 NCAA Women’s College World Series is officially set following the completion of the Super Regionals this past weekend. The tournament began with 64 teams competing at 16 regional sites, with the eight Super Regional winners moving on to Oklahoma City.
Here’s the schedule for Day 1 of the double-elimination bracket on Thursday, May 29:
- Game 1: No. 6 Texas vs. No. 3 Florida
- Game 2: No. 7 Tennessee vs. No. 2 Oklahoma
- Game 3: Ole Miss vs. No. 12 Texas Tech
- Game 4: No. 16 Oregon vs. No. 9 UCLA
The best-of-three championship series is scheduled to take place June 4–6 (if necessary).