Yesterday, the Lady Vols stunned No. 2 Texas in the opening game of the Women’s College World Series. Karen Weekly deserves a lot of praise for how she handled the game, particularly her choice to start Sage Mardjetko in the circle. Mike White and Texas were undoubtedly expecting to see Karlyn Pickens, but Weekly completely surprised them, and the move worked out perfectly.
Karen Weekly gave the team a motivational touch before the game by reading a passage from the Bible’s Book of Timothy. Weekly said:
We read 2 Timothy this morning. God does not give you a timid attitude. Instead, God offers you a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
This morning, we discussed 2 Timothy. God does not provide you with a timid heart. Instead, God gives you the spirit of strength, love, and self-control.
Karen Weekly drew inspiration from Timothy’s writings to motivate Tennessee.
Karen Weekly utilized that Bible verse to encourage Tennessee, and the team reacted positively. The Lady Vols were not afraid of Texas and started strong. Elsa Morrison’s enormous three-run homer in the second inning propelled Tennessee to three runs. It felt like a movie moment. In her first World Series game, the newbie from Knoxville makes the game-winning play in a key situation. It’s difficult not to be happy for the rookie catcher.
Even after the early start, Tennessee had many huge moments remaining in the game. Karlyn Pickens wasn’t her typical commanding self when she came in, surrendering two earned runs, but she fought through it and never let the game get out of hand. The Lady Vols continued to put up attacking performance. Elsa Morrison added a double later in the game, and Karen Weekly made another wise decision by pinch-running for her, which resulted in another run. Overall, Weekly did an excellent job coaching and played well as a squad. I really like it. This was undoubtedly my favorite triumph of the year. Tennessee overcame the uncertainty and proved they can win this competition.
The overall seed, Alabama, already lost two of three games to Tennessee earlier this season. The Lady Vols have demonstrated their capacity to make a run and defeat any of the eight teams in Oklahoma City. Now it’s time to execute and create plays.
I’m not sure what Karen Weekly has planned for tomorrow night against Texas Tech, but I hope she has another surprise prepared because Tennessee will need it. Maybe Weekly will include something from the Bible of Philippians to inspire the squad, or something from the book of Galatians.
Texas Tech has only lost seven games all season, and has already run-ruled three opponents in this event. Tennessee can’t afford to be flat on Saturday night.
