Softball season is here, even if the weather across most of the country still says otherwise, unless you’re down in Florida. The Lady Vols have high expectations going into the year, ranked No. 4 in the nation by the coaches in the inaugural poll. Tennessee had a very successful 2025, going 47-14, but falling short of the ultimate goal, the national title, after losing to Texas in the WCWS semifinals.
Tennessee opened up the 2026 season on Thursday afternoon, in Clearwater, Florida, taking on a talented BYU team, which was ranked No. 6 in the Big 12 preseason poll. The Lady Vols got off to a fast start, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning, and from there they never looked back. Tennessee cruised to a 10–0 win over the Cougars, highlighted by starting pitcher Erin Nuwer throwing a no-hitter, a difficult feat at any level of softball, but especially at the high-major Division I level.
she loves Clearwater! it's an Erin Nuwer no-no to start the season!
— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) February 6, 2026
Lady Vols Win pic.twitter.com/hurlyIm8vV
Erin Nuwer throws in no-hitter in the season opener vs BYU
Nuwer had a phenomenal game on Thursday, going five innings with no hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. She has always been noted as a top pitcher in the nation, ranking No. 7 in the 2024 Extra Elite 100 National Rankings.
Her performance against BYU may have just cemented her right there in the mix with the best of them. As a freshman in 2025, she pitched 57.1 innings, posted a 2.32 ERA, and struck out 65 batters in the SEC, the top league in college softball. Plus, she is one of the only Tennessee softball players to throw a no-hitter in her debut, along with Monica Abbott, as she threw one versus Bethune-Cookman last February, allowing one walk and striking out eight batters in her first collegiate start.
Head coach Karen Weekly will look to build on this great performance this weekend. The Lady Vols will face four tough teams in the next two days. First, Liberty and Rutgers in a doubleheader on Friday, followed by another doubleheader against Boston College and Oregon on Saturday to wrap up the weekend.