Related videos
Tennessee’s softball season ended with its sole senior called out at the plate amid a cloud of dust Sunday afternoon.
Scrappy Oklahoma State eliminated the 14th-seeded Lady Vols from the NCAA tournament by a 6-5 count when Kelly Grieve was ruled out while trying to score the potential game-tying run on Lauren Gibson’s two-out single in the seventh inning before a sold-out crowd of 1,649 at Lee Stadium.
“We got a call from ESPN saying she was safe,’’ UT co-head coach Ralph Weekly said. “Sometimes, you almost feel like it was meant to be.
“I mean, just about just about everything that could go wrong for us, went wrong for us, and they played outstanding.’’
The 22nd-ranked Cowgirls (40-17) — one of three teams with a top 21 RPI in the Knoxville Regional — advance to a best-of-three Super Regional with at trip to the Women’s College World Series on the line. Had the Lady Vols won twice Sunday, they would have been hosting a Super Regional.
The game marked Oklahoma State’s second win over UT in as many days. The Cowgirls sent the fifth-ranked Lady Vols (49-12) into the loser’s bracket with a 6-1 upset Saturday. UT beat 18th-ranked Georgia Tech on Saturday night to advance into Sunday’s action.
Oklahoma State coach Rich Wieligman correctly theorized from the onset of the regional that little things ultimately would make the difference.
A look beyond the controversial game-ending play at the plate revealed that miscues led to the Lady Vols’ demise.
It ended my season, so I’m not to happy about it. But that’s how it goes, its a game of inches.Kelly Grieve, on the game's final play
The Cowgirls’ first run came when leadoff hitter Mariah Gearhart scored from second when no one covered home after UT catcher Ashley Andrews came from behind the plate to field a swinging bunt and throw to first.
Oklahoma State went up 3-0 in the third inning after a walk by starter Ivy Renfroe, a bunt single, a sacrifice bunt, an RBI sacrifice fly and a two-out RBI single to left.
“We have to move runners, and we tried to stay unpredictable where we did some hitting and running,’’ the resourceful Wieligman said. “We even got a swinging bunt from our catcher. The big thing is being able to get that key hit.’’
The Lady Vols, in the visitors dugout for this game, got on the scoreboard in the fourth when Kat Dotson led off with a single and scored on Madison Shipman’s double.
Shipman, however, made the final out of the inning when trying to steal third on a muffed pitch.
UT struck for three more in the top of the fifth, chasing starter Kat Espinosa in taking a 4-3 lead. Shelby Burchell homered to start the inning, and Dotson came through with a two-out, two-RBI single off relief pitcher Sarah Odom (3-2).
“We all knew it was go big, or go home,’’ Dotson said. “We realized there was no guarantee of tomorrow.’’
But with All-SEC freshman pitcher Ellen Renfroe (26-7) on in relief, the odds looked good that the Lady Vols would at least force another game in the double-elimination tournament.
Oklahoma State, however, scratched out three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to reclaim a 6-4 lead. Again, UT miscues contributed mightily.
Ellen Renfroe gave up a lead-off single and then threw wild to second on a ground ball. Ashley Boyd legged out an infield hit that Renfroe was slow to field. Suddenly, the bases were loaded with no outs.
Freshman pinch-hitter Tarah Ettinger (.237 batting average) fell behind 0-2 before running the count full en route to a three-RBI double that barely cleared the glove of a leaping Gibson at second.
A third run scored on the play when the throw from the outfield was off line and Gibson’s flip to second went over Shipman’s head, rolling to the pitcher’s circle as what proved to be the game-winning run crossed the plate.
UT got a run back in the seventh on Jessica Spigner’s sacrifice fly and threatened to tie the game when Gibson came through with the two-out single.
Oklahoma State left fielder Tamara Brown came up gunning, and Boyd put the tag on Grieve as home plate umpire Steve McCowan made the game-ending call.
“I thought we had her, but I didn’t have the best of views,’’ Brown said, drawing giggles from her teammates.
Moments later, the Lady Vols were in the postgame interview session shedding tears — all but Grieve, that is.
“It ended my season, so I’m not to happy about it,’’ said a steely-eyed Grieve, who after being called out had a few words for the home plate umpire. “But that’s how it goes, its a game of inches.’’
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 41
LJS1984 writes:
Kelly Grieve definitely looked like she was in under the tag at home plate. I thought she was safe when I saw it live on ESPN3. However, you can't put yourself in a situation where an umpire can determine your season. If the Lady Vols would have taken care of business the inning before they would be getting ready for game two right now. They are a young team that will probably be very hungry next season as they only lose Grieve. Hopefully, this will be a lesson learned.
SummittsCourt writes:
Thanks for a great season Lady Vols!
When's Kickoff?
kantanuuv writes:
Of course...the Voles lost because of the umpiring...
...or the grass was too high...
...or the dirt was the wrong color...
...or [insert any excuse except you got beat by a better team, twice]...
huntined#565710 writes:
That was a great game we just came up on the short end but you have to also say OSU played well and deserved the win. They won every game they played so they were ready to play.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Finally.........................I got the score.
I was gone all day and just now found out the result. Darn. Now we know how Texas feels.
Looks like Florida will be carrying the banner for the SEC.
And losing at home to boot...........
houvol#438636 writes:
Proud of the team and effort put forth The LADY VOLS will win it all next year!
VolunteerLifer writes:
Hats off to OK St. They showed themselves to be the better team on our field. This has been a good season. We were highly competitive with a very good team. They just weren't quite ready for prime time yet. But this program is in very good shape and next year already looks like another run at the CWS.
Pullingguard writes:
Great Season for a young team.. However, the seeding they received may have been about right.
Its always hard to pack those bags knowing the season is over, and that applies to all sports.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Love how you can pick one part of a post and twist its entire meaning. Not much on reading comprehension, are you?
LJS1984 writes:
I never said that. What's your reading comprehension level? Can you not read? If you would learn to read you may have understood what I posted?
LJS1984 writes:
By the way who are the Voles? Maybe you should go back and repeat kindergarten? Apparently, your educators have failed you.
cdtnladyvols931#663910 writes:
Of course...the Voles lost because of the umpiring...
...or the grass was too high...
...or the dirt was the wrong color...
...or [insert any excuse except you got beat by a better team, twice]...
WHY DON'T YOU GO BACK IN THAT HOLE THAT YOU CRAWLED OUT FROM UNDER AND SUCK YOUR BIG TOE!!!!!
ODA751 writes:
Too bad Ladies. Thanks for a great season. Start getting ready for next year. Go LadyVols!
bmh7896 writes:
Some of you people are miserable human beings. Thank God I don't know you personally.
Flabbergasted writes:
Now, children, can't we just get along? You are trying to make this about you rather than the Lady Vols. How about some good sportsmanship?
orangecountyvols writes:
Bmh and Vol friends,
A breath of fresh air. Bmh is thankfully not a troll.
You know, at this point in the season nothing is a surprise, really.
TKO writes:
Congrats ladies on a fine season.
cazirkle#615142 writes:
Florida and Kentucky can carry the banner so far. The youngsters will be back next year. They did extremely well. Thanks for a great season. Go SEC. They will be a contender next year, hopefully to knock off some of those west coast teams. Go LadyVols......
CCLC writes:
Whoa.... not so fast my friend. Florida ain't on their own:
After winning the first two games of the Athens Regional, the Bulldogs needed only one win on Sunday to advance to the NCAA Super Regional.
The victory gave Georgia the program’s fifth NCAA Regional win and its fourth straight visit to the second round of the softball playoffs, where the Bulldogs will meet the Baylor Bears with a trip to the Women’s College World Series on the line. The Red and Black are two wins away from a return trip to Oklahoma City, and, as we all know, you can’t spell "Super Regional" without U-G-A.
Go ‘Dawgs!
kazoo writes:
Didn't get the pitching--that's the bottom line. You can't give up 6 runs in two crucial games--not good enough.
armyvol22 writes:
Hey ODA751, Thanks for your service. I retired out of 5th group.
tnbigg writes:
According to the article the game was "solf" out.
huntined#565710 writes:
Still have GA-FLA-KY-ALA. in it so maybe this year is the year for the SEC to win it all.
Will pull for all of them all the way.. THANKS TO THE LADY VOLS FOR A GREAT YEAR AND AS YOUNG AS THEY ARE SHOULD BE GOOD FOR YEARS TO COME.
kingwoodtx_vol writes:
A few things:
1. The SEC still has 4 teams alive, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky.
2. Pac 10/12 has 6, Big 12/10 has 5. Only Houston interrupted the major conferences.
3. If Grieve had had her head up looking at the catcher, she could have read the throw and slide to the 1B side; the catcher would not have had a play on the tag. The replay didn't show where the on deck batter was, but they are also responsible for helping the runner with what they need to do.
4. As was pointed out, the Ladies made too many mistakes. Make any one of four or five plays and they are playing the if game.
5. I am really looking forward to next year in several sports. The football team is going to have a fun year. The Lady Vols are going to be powers in soccer, basketball, golf, and softball. The men's basketball team is going to really be interesting to see how thay play under Martin. UT sports is going to have a lot of things going on.
Go Big Orange.
RashaadSalabeb writes:
Hey, they beat us. We'll live to fight another day. I'm proud of you young ladies! For those of you coming back...remember what this felt like and make sure someone else experiences it next year.
Go Lady Vols! You Rock!
ddayvolsfan#238252 writes:
She was safe at home, no doubt about it. This is just another example of the NCAA executives and their minions doing everything in their power to cheat the Vols or Lady Vols out of yet another game. Can you say Pearl suspension, LSU football game, and Music City Bowl boys and girls?????
Goodvol writes:
I think the youth of this team hurt us a little in this last game. It was a big stage and maybe they were a little tight. This will serve them well in the future. It was a great season but this should make them hungry for next year. These games will help them next year.
weliketoliealot writes:
I was really pulling for them until the whole seeding thing happened. Yes,I thought they deserved a much better seed, but you have to beat the best teams anyway. They didn't even make it to what they thought would be the tougher part of the travel. For a coach to come out that strong then get it handed to them, that is an embarrassment. They should have been worried about playing ball instead of where they may have to fly to next week. Hate to say it, but they kind of got what they deserved.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols ,
Since I didn't see any of Sunday's game, I can only go by what I read. But in women's softball, a great pitcher can very well control the game.
In the game Ellen lost Saturday, it seemed OSU was getting the bats on just about every pitch.
In other words, in addition to not striking them out, we found our selves being behind in the count quite a bit. Walking people is just like giving up a hit..........then they move them up on the base paths with sacrifices and along comes a key hit and wham.......you're behind.
The thing I'll miss with losing Kelly is how even though a lot of her swings were slap swings, she nevertheless got her hits, and her speed was incredible.
I wonder about our batting practices. Seems if we could hit Ivy/Ellen/Cat in batting practice we could hit anyone.
Who do we have coming in next year? I do know one is supposed to be another pitcher. Anyway, just like basketball, teams are getting better in softball and so it's tough to go all the way.
Who's your favorite SEC team from this point?
I guess CCLC I have to go with your's since because of the trolls, it's hard to pull for the other 3.
kazoo writes:
She does look safe at home--and here's why the ump blew it. Look where she is being tagged--high, on her chest. That usually means that the foot has gotten to the plate (or bag) first. Tough luck, but again, Vols have to get better pitching. Can't expect to give up six runs and win.
hopalong writes:
kazoo writes:
She does look safe at home--and here's why the ump blew it. Look where she is being tagged--high, on her chest. That usually means that the foot has gotten to the plate (or bag) first. Tough luck, but again, Vols have to get better pitching. Can't expect to give up six runs and win.
.....
Mr. Kazoo:
At first glanace she does indeed look safe at home. However, the LV was clearly sliding, note the chalk dust flying. Did the original point of contact by the catcher put the tag on the knee or thigh? The runner's right knee had clearly not reached the plate as shown in the photo. Finally, the runner's left foot is off the plate in the photo. Did she ever make contact with the plate? Did her foot bounce off the plate after making contact? There doesn't appear to be any dirt or dust flying from the area where you would have expected her foot to have hit the plate. The umpire is in excellent position to have seen any or all or none of these scenerios. He was there, had only a couple of seconds to see everything going on with that bang-bang play and he made the call as he saw it.
And, yuou are absolutley right on spot when you say that six runs are too many to give up and expect to advance at this level.
BodeaneVol writes:
Get new glasses. You can see in the photo that her left leg is OVER the plate and her right leg has not yet touched the plate.(click on the photo and you can even see by the shaddow her foot is NOT on the plate) Clearly out.
volboy81 writes:
great season Lady Vols! Very disappointed in the weekend, but we will be back with a vengence in 2012! Good for you, Kelly, for giving the home plate ump what for after he called you out! Sorry your career ended that way, but thank you for all the memorable plays the last 4 years.
Biggie writes:
...well I guess the 14th seed wasn't such a slap in the face afterall.......
RUstilltalking writes:
Yeah everyone is against the Vols......you are the reason Vol fans get a bad name.....do everyone a favor and disassociate yourself from the fan base.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
A final salute to the girls and staff...........and to you Vol fans who were behind them and still will acknowledge the realization that on some days someone else will win instead of us. We congratulate both teams and look ahead to another great year in 2012.
This was in 2011 a basically young team going with young pitchers. Next year, having drawn on this experience, they should be something special.
TNSOFTBALLFAN writes:
Well, clearly I would call her slide safe. Kelly Grieve is an incredible player with incredible speed. I was there all weekend, even championship day and the umpires did a horrible job calling both the games that they played Ok State. Unfortunately Tennessee lost, but they are still a better team than Oklahoma they have proven themselves. In the SEC tournament came from losing to beat Georgia, and almost did the same Sunday against Ok State. Unfortunately it had to come down to the umpire bad calling, but it was a great game. LOVE THE LADY VOLS AND GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR AND GOOD LUCK TO KELLY IN THE FUTURE! GOOOOO VOLS!
orangecountyvols writes:
Tnsoftballfan,
Careful friend.........trolls will be all over your comments. I will agree umpiring ( both ways trolls, Ok? ) was not the best. To be honest, as fast as those pitches were delivered, IMO the umps probably weren't sure what they were seeing.
Again, one of the killers was walking people.
With 0-2 counts, it doesn't seem wise to walk somebody. Even when it goes to 3-2, do any of you think it might not be a bad idea to drill one and just see if they can hit the heat? Nibbling on the corners, you just don't know what is going to be called. When it was 3-2 on our batters, I remember several taking a called 3rd strike.
Anyway, IMO the most difficult calls I saw were
low pitches. One time it's a ball, next time a strike. They can have that job of being an umpire !
98reax writes:
Got to have the killer close-it-out mentality. For the same reason we lost the season finale series to the cats and the out right SEC conference title, we were eliminated from the ncaa run. Youth and the lack of killer instinct. When you go to post season play, you got to gitt'r done, put your foot on their neck til they stop breathin'. Just like killin' a durn snake. You don't stand around givin'em wiggle room.
rockytopnation16 writes:
God the refs blow it for us in every sport. After the Music City Bowl you would have thought we'd had enough. I wish we could catch a break for ONCE!!
tnbigg writes:
This writer needs to have a proof reader. Check this out too: “I mean, just about just about everything that could go wrong for us, went wrong for us, and they played outstanding.’Is this a future football writer? Is there anybody that proofs these columns? Is there a professional writer that maybe can...well...write?
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.