The Tennessee Lady Volunteers used a five-run first inning and a pair of late home runs to defeat the Virginia Cavaliers 7-5 in a postseason contest Saturday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium in the Knoxville Regional.

Tennessee sent 10 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first inning to build a 5-0 lead. The scoring started with a two-run double by Elsa Morrison. Makenzie Butt added an RBI single, followed by Taelyn Holley's bases-loaded walk and Bella Faw's RBI fielder's choice. After Virginia closed the gap, Emma Clarke and Butt provided crucial insurance runs with solo home runs. Butt finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Clarke went 2-for-2 with a walk. Starting pitcher Sage Mardjetko went four innings, allowing three runs and striking out six. Karlyn Pickens pitched the final three innings, allowing two runs and striking out four.

Virginia chipped away at its deficit with the long ball. Macee Eaton blasted a three-run homer in the top of the third inning to make it 5-3. In the sixth, Alex Call hit a two-run home run that cut Tennessee's lead to 6-5. Call finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Jade Hylton and Jaiden Griffith added one hit each for Virginia.

Virginia starting pitcher Eden Bigham lasted one-third of an inning, allowing five runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks. Taylor Smith pitched 5⅔ innings of relief, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out five.

Up next: Regional play in the NCAA softball tournament continues Sunday.

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