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OKLAHOMA CITY – Tennessee’s surprising post-season run came to a screeching halt Sunday afternoon in the Women’s College World Series.
Eight-time national champion Arizona defeated UT in the decisive game Sunday night, 5-2, after run-ruling the Lady Vols 8-0 in the teams’ first game at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium on Sunday.
“They beat us in every phase and they deserved the wins,’’ said UT co-head coach Ralph Weekly, who has taken the Lady Vols to four WCWS in his nine years at UT. “I’m tremendously proud of this team; I don’t think anybody expected us to get to this position.
“I told the team this was the best group Karen and I have ever coached.’’
Freshman pitcher Ivy Renfroe (31-6) took the loss in both games, surrendering 12 hits and all five runs in the finale.
The 15th-seeded Lady Vols finish the season 49-15, while the 10th-seeded and fourth-ranked Wildcats (52-12) advance to play UCLA (48-11) in the best-of-three championship series starting today (TV: ESPN2, 8 p.m.).
Tennessee, which finishes third in the WCWS, needed to win one game Sunday to reach the title series after opening the WCWS with a 9-0 win over Arizona on Thursday and following up with a 7-5 victory over Georgia late Friday night.
UT, starting five freshmen, opened the scoring in the decisive game in the first inning when freshman Lauren Gibson drew a two-out bases loaded walk to force in a run.
Freshman Raven Chavanne had started the inning with a single off the third baseman’s glove and went to second when Jessica Spigner was hit by a pitch. The bases were loaded for Gibson when Erinn Webb drew a walk.
Arizona freshman pitcher Kenzie Fowler (38-7) settled down after issuing the run-scoring walk and fanned UT senior Tiffany Huff to escape the jam.
The Lady Vols squandered another scoring opportunity in the second when Arizona left fielder Brittany Lastrapes crashed into the wall after making a sensational catch, and threw to second to double off Melissa Brown, who had taken off thinking the ball would drop. Brown, a freshman, had walked and went to second on an illegal pitch.
“The strikeout with bases loaded and base running errors early really hurt,’’ Weekly said. “There was another situation where we didn’t get the bunt down. No question, execution hurt us today.’’
Chavanne followed the double play with a double into the gap and Kat Dotson walked, putting runners on first and second, but Kelly Grieve struck out to end the inning.
UT made it 2-0 in the top of the third when Gibson delivered a two-out single and scored on Huff’s bloop hit into right-center field.
Arizona’s Karissa Buchanan made a diving attempt for Huff’s hit, but the ball got flung out of her glove when she rolled after trapping it, allowing Gibson to speed around from first and beat the throw home with a reach slide around Wildcats’ catcher Stacie Chambers.
Arizona tied the game at 2-2 in the third when Chambers hit a two-run homer after Lauren Schutzler singled to start the inning.
The Wildcats took their first lead in the game at 3-2 after K’Lee Arredondo singled to start the fifth, went to second on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on Brigette Del Ponte’s single to center.
Arredondo struck again in the sixth, drilling a two-run home run over the right field wall that extended the Arizona lead to 5-2.
The Wildcats needed only five innings to force the extra game. It was the first time the Lady Vols had been run-ruled since losing the season opener to UCLA, 11-1.
The Wildcats batted through their order in a three-run third and a five-run fifth.
Fowler, who was called for 20 illegal pitches through her first three games, including eight in the loss to UT Thursday, pitched four no-hit innings and didn’t get any illegal pitches called on her in the opener.
Renfroe started the opener and was pulled in the third inning with UT down 2-0 and the bases loaded.
Sophomore Cat Hosfield pitched the remainder of the game, seeing her only action in the WCWS.
“We knew speed bothered Arizona, so we’d made the decision to start Ivy in the first game,’’ Weekly said. “Cat didn’t have her drop or change falling for a strike, and she needs those pitches to be successful. I haven’t seen the film, but I’d guess Ivy didn’t have her best stuff today, either.
“There were four teams in the Final Four here, and we beat two of them. We’re not satisfied, but we’re proud of our team.’’
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 84
huntined#565710 writes:
Hard loss but our VOLS did a good job this year and will be strong in the future
Thanks for a good year!!
V_O_L_S_GO_VOLS_GO writes:
It's all right girls, hell of a run at the Championship as a 15 seed. Get better and do it again next season! Go Vols!
halloffamebowler writes:
Good run by the Girls.Better luck next year.Could win it all.
bigexecutiveguy writes:
I'm proud of these scrappy girls. It's a shame it had to end tonight.
orangecountyvols writes:
I'll finally give everyone a break and stop talking softball, but got caught up in all these games. Am so very proud of the effort and how far such a young team came. It's hard to be critical since down on the field it's tougher than watching it. We just had too many base running mistakes, couldn't hit consistently, Ivy got behind a lot in the count and Arizona constantly got the lead runners on.
Still, they can hit the long ball which is not our strong suit.
I look for great things in the future for Tennessee and fully expect us to gain from this experience and be back next year. Proud of all of you !
kazoo writes:
Sorry but the Lady Vols never get it done when it counts--they always fold in the biggest games. Yes, I know they're young--so is Arizona. This is, what, they're 5th trip to the CWS? Typical UT.
dma38256#264746 writes:
Great job ladies....amazing none of the umpires could see a foul tip on Burchell...
alvol writes:
Congratulations to the Lady Vols. They showed a lot of heart against some of the best teams in the country. With a little more experience, a national championship is not out of the question. Some questionable calls in the game, but I didn't see the Weakleys complain.
arkyvol writes:
deja vu of a few years ago when monica abbott was pitching. same foe, same outcome. the lady vols couldn't seem to buy a run. pitching can get you there, but somebody's got to help with the bat.
alvol writes:
Aptly named. Blow it out your kazoo
taylorsvolfan writes:
Baserunning needs some work.
stayingorange writes:
Tough losses today. Learn from them and come back better next year. Still a great season and strong finish.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Alright, I watched both games, every pitch.
Here we go.
First of all, these girls are freshmen and I'm excited for the future. The defense was good, but they need to improve their hitting.
That call in the 1st game?? with the pop-up in the 3rd where the umpire calls an out before the ball falls into the field of play??? I'm really lost on that one.
The 2nd game always had the feel Arizona was going to win, but the girls gave effort. Man, that UT pitcher is AWESOME for a freshman. Lot better than that back-up in the 1st game.
Thank you for the run LV, we'll see you next season in the WCWS.
NeylandWest writes:
Not bad, ladies! Congrats on a great season! Keep your heads held high and know that this Vol is proud of you. You represented us well. ;)
chadvolfan#205844 writes:
I cannot believe no one has commented on the TERRIBLE coaching in the 2nd game!! First, where was the 3rd base coach when Brown ran all the way home on a fly out to center??? 2nd, where were the coaches during that unbelievable situation when our pinch hitter hit a foul tip and the pinch runner stole 3rd? And the umpire called STRIKE 3??? Even the announcers said it was a foul ball, runner goes back and batter continues the at bat... WHY DID OUR COACHES NOT GO BALLISTIC??
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
2nd game of the day was 1st chance I have had to see this team play. Great effort and congrats on a great run.
But what I saw was a team that was not well schooled in the basics of play.
1. Major base running blunder
2. Pitcher not coming off the mound to field bunt
3. UT batters couldn't bunt the ball
4. Batters chasing pitches head high
5. Infielders couldn't prevent infield hits
Maybe this was just a bad game, but all these errors in 1 game make me wonder how they made it this far.
TommyJack writes:
Are you really kaZZoo?
SummittsCourt writes:
4th trip to the WCWS. You're still an idiot though.
SummittsCourt writes:
This team had a great run. A team that wasn't suppose to beat Michigan & wasn't supposed to be much of a challenge but still won 2 games as a 15th seed team. Pretty impressive. I know losing twice today hurts, but this team will be back. 10 freshman on this team plus the #1 recruiting class coming in next year. Yeah, things are looking so bright they gotta wear shades!
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
can someone explain to me why the UT girl bolted from 2nd base on the deep fly ball??? I mean, why isn't she at least on the 2nd base side of 3rd waiting??
Did the 3rd base coach wave her on, or did she just make up her own mind??
Old braves fans will remember Lonnie Smith, completely ignoring the coaches and holding up at 3rd on a long double. Goes both ways with base-runners, and whether they watch the 3d base coach.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
ummm, no, because if you LOSE it means someone has scored more than you, which makes it their fault for beating you.
Fault, in this sense, is used to indicate 'reason'.
So, a loss is always the opponents 'fault'.
99gator writes:
it's bad when we all pretend to know what we are talking about when it comes to football.
it's really, really bad when we try to pretend we know what we are talking about when it comes to women's softball.
tennessee had a great year.
AtLeastIKnowTheBasicRules writes:
Hey AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons, it's called the infield-fly rule, just as it always has been, for decades, and as always, google is your friend.
WinkeyVol writes:
It's called the infield fly rule. This keeps the infielder from intentionally dropping the ball and then doubling up the baserunners.
WinkeyVol writes:
It's called the infield fly rule. It's called when runners are on base. Look it up.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
I'm trying not to think about that foul ball that was called strike 3. Yeah, base-running was a little suspect.
Ringside writes:
Nice job ladies. You'll get them next year. Thanks for representing UT in such grand fashion!
GBO
98reax writes:
What does it prove to post such as kazoo, clemsonvol?
The Lady Vols did something great! They made it to the WCS. Scores of Universities have never accomplished such a feat. The LVs made it further than their sister schools, GA and FLA. Number 1 ranked BAMA didn't make it AT ALL.
Simply making it to OK City was not what the Lady Vols wanted, but making it to the semi-finals was an amazing accomplishment. Give them props for that.
Hating on the Lady Vols shows such disrespect.
ethanfrome writes:
You made us all proud Ladys. See you next year.
volsfannsc writes:
Even my litle league kid knows what an infield fly rule is all about. Why bother commenting on a sport you know nothing about?
Bad calls are just part of the game- get over it. Lack of infield coverage and base-running errors are indicative of a young team. I don't believe it was due to coaching or the LV's wouldn't consistently be showing up for the playoffs.
I am proud to see these girls playing "loose" as freshmen. It means good things in store for future years. Very talented team with high expectations.
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
This is a discussion board, and as such, it is premissable to post opinions that do not necessarily agree with yours.
I am proud of the team and said that in my post, but this team showed a lack of composure in big situtations which is a direct result of the coaches failing to work on the fundamentals enough in practice.
adimatteo#261830 writes:
never happy when it ends, but great run, and to all the complainers out there, Dont you think the players feel a little worse than you do...
Great job, heck of a season, enjoy the summer, heres to next season...
CLEMSONVOL716WASBANNED writes:
When did the infield fly rule start covering foul tips on the 3rd strike??
SummittsCourt writes:
Believe it or not, but some of us actually are fans of the game and watch it, learn it and enjoy it.
Go Lady Vols!
The SEC is going to get one soon.
ladyvolnc (Inactive) writes:
softball just like the basketball blames youth for not wining,wonder what excuse Pat will have next year if we don't make F4,being young won't work anymore
huntined#565710 writes:
Thanks 99 as they did have a great year. When you look at them only rated 3rd in the east this year and then they had to go on the road to win when all the other teams except Hawaii played at home. and then to go as far as they did made it a great year.
NeylandWest writes:
Amen!
orangecountyvols writes:
We know Ivy's sister Ellen, is coming in and word is Ellen is 'even better than Ivy".........that's hard to believe ! Does anyone know who the other recruits are in this class rated no. 1 ?
chl1958 writes:
Congratulations Lady Vols to a Great Year!
martinvol34 writes:
Kazoo obviously has a lot of issues like grammar. The proper pronoun is their, not they're and if you're not proud of these young girls' accomplishments, kazoo, you are an idiot.
I really believe that half of the people that post on here have either never played a sport or had children that do. Otherwise, you'd never post half of the criticisms that you do.
I watched every game this weekend and I don't usually watch "softball" but I was so involved with what these ladies accomplished. BE PROUD! GO VOLS!
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
But I am still wanting to know about the baserunning and the 3rd-base coach.
Is softball THAT much more of a "player's game" that the girls make their own decisions on the paths??
This is an honest question, not a complaint.
BTW, did not see the infield fly play...but again sounds like the baserunners where a little excited.
armyvol22 writes:
You are a piece of Scheiße.
DC_Vol writes:
I am so glad you posted this comment, because now everyone can see how ignorant you really are.
If you watched the performaces of the Lady Vols, not one time did the Tennessee Coaches or Weakleys complain about the umpires. They were nothing but a class act.
On the otherhand, the Florida coaches were unethical rule breakers who complained vehemently when they were called for illegal pitches.
All year Florida coaches were informed the rule would be enforced and all year they snubbed their nose at the rule book seeking an unfair advantage. The rule book stats a pitcher cannot leap off the mound with both feet in the air.
In typical Florida fashion, they snubbed their nose at the rule book and told their pitchers to continue to leap in the air to give their team an unfair advantage. A pitcher gains additional momentum and speed by leaping in the air that is why the rule is in place. As everyone withnessed, the Florida pitcher was called for eight illegal pitches. All the Florida coaches did was complain about the unfairness of the referees enforcing a rule all coaches were aware of all season.
Boy you really stuck your whole foot in your mouth this time. How does your shoe taste? LMFAO
tsaecesnitsebhtruof writes:
As a #15 seed these girls have alot to be proud of. Unfortunatly now there's nothing to get excited about until basketball (men's and women's) season starts (unless you're a rugby fan).
PureOrange writes:
I watched every minute of every game, along with the other games. I felt so badly last night I could not sleep, but I get up this morning and read the comments and find that I was upset for nothing. According to most comments, it is more than enough to get there. Laying down and giving up does not matter. And it seems we are the only team to have freshmen, so that makes it okay for them not to know how to run bases (even tho they have been playing all their lives), and it is okay for a third base coach (think it was Ralph) to apparently not know any more than the girls as he allowed Brown to continue running wild even tho no would could see the ball hit the ground.
The girls did great to get there, yes, but after getting up big on Georgia, you could see the girls lost their excitement, and it continued throughout the next two games. There was little life in the dugout.
If you cannot get excited, and stay excited about being in the WCWS, then it will be hard to ever win it. Renfroe is a great young pitcher, but she cannot carry this team by herself. It is time for the others to step up, or we will have to be satisfied with coming up short.
volaholic45 writes:
Still think the Weeklys threw in the towel on the first game in the third inning. Panicked down only 2-0 and pulled Renfroe. Said it was because there was no defense against walks and hit batsmen, but when she was pulled didn't she have 5 Ks, 1 BB, and 1 HB on an 0-2 count? Then the reliever walks in run 3 on 4 pitches. Of course, giving up just one run is too many if you don't get any.
Great to overachieve to get there, but to collapse like that at the end must be a bigger disappointment than just the losses.
VOLsince68 writes:
1D10T.....
volboy81 writes:
Great season ladies. It was fun. Ivy, youre the best! Really enjoyed watching you pitch...we have a great future with all the young talent and the #1 class coming in this fall! Thank you to Tiffany, Nicole and Erinn for 4 great years!! We'll miss you! When we do win the National Title (and we will!) you will be a part of it! GO LADY VOLS!!!!!
kazoo writes:
Maybe the Weakleys--who certainly deserve credit for building a good program--should start raising a little hell once in a while. They seem VERY mild-mannered--and I'm sorry to say it, but our girls seem to play soft and mild-mannered when it's crunch time in the CWS. The Arizona coach is decidedly NOT mild-mannered--and neither is his team. The UCLA coach isn't mild-mannered either. I'm wondering about the mental toughness with the LVs--who seem to play OK early in big games but always fizzle at the plate in the late innings. The "we're young" argument doesn't really cut it, as Arizona is young too, I think--certainly, their pitcher was a freshman like Renfroe. And you can't have those base-running errors that happened yesterday--good grief. That's fundamental stuff you learn at age 10: If you're on 2nd and somebody hits a drive to the outfield, you don't just start running: you run halfway to third and look. If it's caught, you run back to second. If it's not, you score easily. There is no excuse for the runner and the coach making that kind of mistake.
volboy81 writes:
I'd like to know that myself...other than Ellen Renfroe, we have a gal from Chatt. GPS or Soddy-Daisy, both of which won the state championship last week, coming in. I think the commentators said we had a California girl coming also...if anyone knows, fill us in!
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