UT softball hammers Mississippi State

The University of Tennessee softball team wasted little time securing a series victory over Mississippi State on Wednesday (14-8, 1-2 SEC), jumping on the Bulldogs for 10 runs in the first three innings on the way to a 10-4 victory in Starkville, Miss.

Junior Kelly Grieve led the 19th-ranked Lady Vols (15-5, 2-1 SEC) with four of UT's 12 hits, including a double, four RBIs and three runs scored. Kelly Grieve also made an outstanding catch while running into the wall in center field.

Senior Tiffany Huff went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, freshman right fielder Kat Dotson knocked in two runs and sophomore third baseman Jessica Spigner doubled in and scored a run.

Freshman right hander Ivy Renfroe improved to 8-1, allowing two earned runs on five hits with three walks and eight strikeouts during a complete-game performance.

"We are very happy with the way our team responded to last night's late-inning loss by fighting back to take the series today," UT co-head coach Ralph Weekly said. "We came out firing on all cylinders and scored 10 runs in the first three innings off their two best pitchers.

"We continue to have a lot of people contributing offensively, but today was Kelly Grieve's day since she went 4-for-5 with four RBIs. We are especially proud of Ivy Renfroe in getting a complete-game victory over a tough MSU offensive lineup."

Tennessee led from the outset, scoring twice in the first inning, five times in the second and three in the third.

With one out in the second and a runner on first, Grieve saved a run with her defensive gem in center.

Mississippi State shortstop Erin Nesbit drove a ball to deep center that Grieve caught on the run over her shoulder before crashing into the wall. That play proved big as an infield single and an intentional walk loaded the bases with two outs. Renfroe escaped the jam with strikeout.

UT plays host to the Tennessee Invitational beginning Friday at Lee Softball Stadium. Other competing teams are Liberty, Tennessee Tech and Campbell.

Men's Swimming and Diving: Seven Vols will compete in the NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships, March 25-27 in Columbus, Ohio. They are Brad Craig, Michael DeRocco, Ryan Harrison, Ricky Henahan, Giles Smith, Anders Storvik and Ed Walsh.

UT divers Ryan Helms, Jordan Mauney and Michael Muscari vie will compete this weekend in the Zone Diving Championships in Atlanta. Divers to participate in the NCAAs will be announced Monday.

Men's Tennis: UT's Rhyne Williams SEC Freshman of the Week after an undefeated road trip to start conference play.

The Knoxville native, ranked No. 51, earned a pair of singles victories against Auburn and Alabama from the No. 3 position.

© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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