Tennessee softball player’s pitch makes history

Tennessee softball star Karlyn Pickens made history on Monday by throwing the fastest pitch in collegiate softball history. Pickens, a pitcher for the Lady Volunteers, reached a speed of 78.2 mph during the sixth inning of Tennessee’s game against Arkansas. This pitch broke her previous record of 77 mph, tying her with former Tennessee pitcher Monica Abbott.

Abbott had set the record in 2012 during a National Pro Fastpitch game against Carolina Diamonds. Pickens had already thrown two pitches this season that reached 77 mph, but it was her pitch against Arkansas that solidified her spot in the record books.

After the game, Pickens expressed her excitement about the achievement, stating, “There was a lot of emotions. At first, I just was super excited to celebrate that with my team. It’s way cooler finding out that way than finding out at home after the game.”

Pickens did not give up a hit during her 4.1 innings on the mound and struck out six Arkansas hitters. She credited her success to the hard work of her pitching staff and coaches, calling the moment “really special and surreal.”

Pickens, who was named SEC Pitcher of the Year last season, has an impressive 0.86 ERA over 89.1 innings. Her dedication to her craft and determination to succeed have made her a standout player in collegiate softball.

Fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see what Pickens will achieve next as she continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Her record-breaking pitch has solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of softball.

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