Mizzou Rallies Late to Upset No. 8 Tennessee, Reaches .500
COLUMBIA, Mo. – With their season hanging in the balance, the Mizzou Tigers softball team (28-28, 9-15 SEC) pulled off a dramatic 4-3 victory over No. 8/9 Tennessee (42-9, 16-8 SEC) in their regular-season finale. The win brings Missouri back to the crucial .500 mark, significantly bolstering their NCAA Tournament chances as they head into the SEC Tournament. A two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth, sparked by a critical error from the Tennessee outfield, provided the winning margin in a tense series finale at Mizzou Softball Stadium.
Trailing 3-2 with two outs in the sixth, Stefania Abruscato and Abby Carr delivered back-to-back singles. A bobbled ball in right field on Carr’s hit allowed both runners to score, giving Mizzou a stunning 4-3 lead. Carr, who earned the win in the circle, then shut down the Volunteers in the seventh to seal the victory. The two-way freshman pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out two, after delivering the go-ahead hit. Earlier in the game, an Abby Hay solo home run—her 100th career hit—tied the game at two in the fifth inning.
The victory was a landmark moment, marking the 400th career win for head coach Larissa Anderson. Now sitting at 28-28, the No. 11-seeded Tigers need just one win in next week's SEC Tournament to secure postseason eligibility. Their quest will begin against No. 14 seed Auburn on Tuesday in Lexington, Kentucky.
QUICK HITS
- Georgia Softball Routs Florida: Freshman Gabi Novickas hit a walk-off grand slam to give the No. 14 Georgia Bulldogs a 9-1, five-inning run-rule victory over No. 8 Florida. The win clinched the series for the Bulldogs (36-17, 12-12 SEC) in their home finale.
- Bulldogs Tennis Teams Advance: The No. 1 Georgia women's tennis team (19-5) swept Alabama State 4-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, extending their home winning streak to 18 matches. Meanwhile, the No. 6 Mississippi State women's tennis squad also advanced, punching their ticket to the NCAA Super Regionals with a dominant 4-0 sweep of Wisconsin.
- Alabama Softball Sweeps South Carolina: The Crimson Tide completed a hard-fought series sweep of South Carolina with a 4-3 victory on Saturday. Pitcher Jocelyn Briski earned her 20th win of the season, striking out nine. Alabama battled through close contests all weekend, winning the previous games 3-2 and 1-0.
- Texas Softball Notches Key Finale Win: Junior RHP Teagan Kavan was masterful in the circle, striking out ten in a complete-game effort to lead No. 5 Texas over No. 7 Arkansas in their regular-season finale.
PORTAL WATCH
The Alabama women's basketball program officially added a new piece to its backcourt, announcing the signing of Rickell Brown. A transfer from Newberry College, Brown will join the Crimson Tide for her junior season in 2026-27. The 5-foot-6 guard was an All-SAC Second Team honoree last season, where she led Newberry by averaging 15.3 points per game and started all 28 contests.
RECRUITING BUZZ
There was no new recruiting commitment news across the SEC in the last 12 hours as the spring regular seasons draw to a close.
GAMES TO WATCH
With the softball regular season now complete, all eyes turn to the 2026 SEC Softball Tournament, which is set to begin on Tuesday, May 5, in Lexington, Kentucky. Matchups are being finalized, but Missouri's critical opening-round game against Auburn is one to watch as the Tigers fight to extend their season. In tennis, NCAA Tournament action continues, with Georgia and Mississippi State looking to advance through their respective regionals.