Tennessee’s Softball Trio Earns Prestigious All-SEC First Team Honors
Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball powerhouses Karlyn Pickens, Sage Mardjetko, and Alannah Leach were officially named First Team All-SEC on Friday, propelling the Big Orange into the NCAA tournament with renewed momentum. This comes as a major boost just days before Tennessee’s postseason run kicks off Friday, May 15.
Pickens, a senior ace hailing from Weaverville, North Carolina, solidified her elite status with a third first-team All-SEC selection and her fourth overall conference nod. Despite battling injuries this season, Pickens delivered a standout 13-7 record with an impressive 1.52 ERA over 115.1 innings and racked up 157 strikeouts. Her performance helped guide Tennessee’s pitching staff to the best team ERA in SEC play at 1.33, underscoring her role as the staff’s backbone.
Adding to Pickens’ accolades, she was also selected for the All-SEC Defensive Team, boasting a slick .971 fielding percentage. Her veteran presence continues to be a key component for Tennessee’s success.
Breakout Star Mardjetko Dominates Despite Injury Setback
Joining the senior luminary is junior right-hander Sage Mardjetko, who earned her first career First Team All-SEC honor after a breakthrough 2026 campaign. Battling a hip injury that required offseason surgery, Mardjetko delivered career-best numbers, including a stunning 0.96 ERA, 150 strikeouts, and 7 complete games. She currently ranks second in the nation in ERA, trailing only Belmont’s Maya Johnson.
Mardjetko’s pitching was pivotal during the season, often serving as Tennessee’s series opener with Pickens following. Her highlight came after a tough 12-0 loss to Alabama when she threw a one-hit shutout against the same opponent—a victory that shifted the momentum in Tennessee’s favor late in the conference schedule.
In addition to her All-SEC selection, Mardjetko was honored as the SEC Softball Scholar-Athlete of the Year just before Tennessee’s conference tournament game against Ole Miss, showcasing her excellence both on the field and in academics.
Leach Emerges as Offensive Powerhouse
Completing the trio, junior infielder Alannah Leach of The Woodlands, Texas, broke out as a key offensive force, earning First Team All-SEC honors for the first time. Initially a platoon player with inconsistent starts, Leach cemented her place in the Lady Vols’ lineup during SEC action. She posted career highs with 12 home runs, 23 RBIs, a .330 batting average, and a robust .718 slugging percentage.
Together, these three players propelled Tennessee to a program-best 26-game win streak to start the season and helped secure an overall record of 42-10. Their combined impact sets the stage for Tennessee’s deep run in the upcoming NCAA tournament, where their talent and leadership will be vital.
What’s Next for Tennessee Softball?
With the NCAA tournament beginning Friday, May 15, all eyes now turn to how these All-SEC standouts will perform on the national stage. Fans and analysts alike anticipate that Pickens’ veteran leadership, Mardjetko’s dominant pitching, and Leach’s clutch hitting will make Tennessee a formidable contender.
This surge arrives amid a fiercely competitive SEC landscape, highlighting the Lady Vols’ resilience and talent. As the NCAA tournament heats up, Tennessee’s trio stands ready to continue their impactful performances, bringing national attention to this powerhouse program.
“This recognition reflects the tremendous talent and hard work of Karlyn, Sage, and Alannah throughout the season,” said Tennessee head coach on Friday. “Their leadership and skill position us to make a deep tournament run.”
The combination of experienced playoff veterans and rising stars exemplifies Tennessee’s resurgence in college softball, promising exciting moments ahead for fans across the country.
