# 3 Takeaways: Ole Miss Rebels Edges Tennessee Lady Volunteers 2-1

**Published:** 2026-03-27 — **By:** Stacy Stanfield
**Category:** games — **Type:** game-takeaways
**Source:** https://secscouts.com/news/ole-miss-rebels-upset-tennessee-lady-vols-softball-series

**Teams:** [Ole Miss](https://secscouts.com/ole-miss/), [Tennessee](https://secscouts.com/tennessee/)


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In a stunning display of dominant pitching and timely offense, the Ole Miss Rebels secured a significant 2-1 series-clinching victory over the Tennessee Lady Volunteers on the road at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The win marks a major moment for an Ole Miss squad that entered the weekend at the bottom of the SEC standings and serves as a considerable setback for a Tennessee team with conference title aspirations. The low-scoring contest was a classic pitcher's duel, ultimately decided by which team could capitalize on the fewest mistakes.

### **1. Emilee Boyer's Complete Game Gem Silences Lady Vols' Bats**

The undisputed story of the game was the masterful performance from Ole Miss pitcher Emilee Boyer. The senior right-hander was in complete control, going the distance for a complete game victory. Boyer allowed just one run on three hits while striking out three over seven brilliant innings. She effectively neutralized a potent Tennessee lineup that features several of the conference's top hitters, consistently inducing weak contact and trusting her defense.

Boyer's poise in a hostile environment was the catalyst for the Rebels' upset. The offense provided just enough support to back her up. The scoring started early when Kennedy Bunker launched a solo home run to right field in the very first inning, immediately giving Ole Miss a 1-0 lead. After Tennessee tied the game in the third, the deciding moment came in the sixth inning when Izzy Rettiger scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. While the Rebels' offense only collected five hits, with Persy Llamas being the only player with a multi-hit game (2-for-3), it was enough to capitalize on the opportunity Boyer provided them.

### **2. Lady Vols' Offense Goes Cold, Wastes Mardjetko's 12-Strikeout Performance**

For the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, this loss will sting, primarily because it wasted a phenomenal outing from their own pitcher, Sage Mardjetko. Mardjetko was electric in the circle, registering a staggering 12 strikeouts in her own seven-inning complete game. She scattered five hits and allowed only one earned run—Bunker's first-inning homer—showcasing the kind of dominance that usually guarantees a victory. The unearned run in the sixth proved to be the fatal blow in an otherwise superb performance.

The story for Tennessee was a frustrating inability to generate any offense. The team managed only three hits all game, with Sophia Knight, Emma Clarke, and Alannah Leach each contributing a single. Their lone run came in the third inning when Emma Clarke drew a bases-loaded walk, a testament to their struggles to get a key hit with runners on base. For a team boasting season-long batting averages like Knight's .407, being held to just one run on three hits by a pitcher with a 2.25 season ERA is a significant cause for concern and highlights an area needing immediate adjustment.

### **3. Upset Win Provides Ole Miss a Jolt, Dents Tennessee's Hosting Hopes**

This result sends ripples through the SEC standings and has major postseason implications for both programs. For Tennessee, dropping a home series to a team at the bottom of the conference ladder is a damaging blow. Holding a 7-5 record in the SEC, the Lady Vols lose crucial ground on league leaders like Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas. Losses like this can be particularly costly to a team's RPI, which is a key factor in determining the 16 host sites for the NCAA Regionals. The margin for error has now shrunk considerably for Tennessee as they aim to secure a top seed in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Conversely, this is a monumental series win for the Ole Miss Rebels. While their 2-10 conference record still has them in a deep hole, this victory provides a massive jolt of confidence. Proving they can go on the road and defeat a top-tier conference opponent demonstrates their potential to play the spoiler role for the remainder of the season. For a team that has battled through a tough schedule, this win provides tangible proof of their capabilities and is a signature moment they can build upon as they fight for a spot in the SEC Tournament.

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*Original article: [3 Takeaways: Ole Miss Rebels Edges Tennessee Lady Volunteers 2-1](https://secscouts.com/news/ole-miss-rebels-upset-tennessee-lady-vols-softball-series) — SEC Scouts*