Lady Vols Advance To Women’s College World Series

Sep 8, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans celebrate their teams touchdown with the mascot against the Georgia State Panthers with the during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia State 51-13. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a while since the Vols have had a thrilling win against Alabama on the football field, however that’s not the case for the Lady Vols softball team.

The Lady Vols, who found themselves down 3-0 after two innings, rallied for a 5-3 win over Alabama to advance to the Women’s College World Series for their sixth time.

The Crimson Tide got on the board first after Molly Fitchner hit a two-run single in the bottom of the first. Alabama would add another run in the second inning when Lady Vols outfield Tory Lewis lost a ball in the sun, that was hit off the bat of Haylie McCleney, scoring Danae Hayes.

Tennessee didn’t wait long to get on the board, scoring in the top of the third on a sacrifice fly from Madison Shipman, that scored Lewis.

The Lady Vols tied the game in the top of the fourth after a sacrifice fly from Rainey Gaffin and a RBI single from Raven Chanvanne.

The go ahead run came in the top of the fifth when Kat Dotson hit a sacrifice fly that plated Shipman, who had hit a leadoff double.

Tennessee added an insurance run in the top of the seventh and Ellen Renfroe secured the win for the Lady Vols, earning the save, and preventing a repeat from Alabama, the defending champions.

Ivy Renfroe picked up her 21st win of the season (21-4) in the victory. Jackie Traina was credited with the loss for the Crimson Tide (19-8)

The Women’s College World Series begins May 30 and runs through June 5.

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