Going into the last inning of the game, Mississippi State had yet to get a hit off of Ellen Renfroe.
That changed in the seventh inning when Bulldogs freshman Caroline Seitz hit a roller through left field, a sign of what was to come in that inning.
Two batters later, senior Sam Lenahan scored the decisive runs with a two run blast off of the left inning scoreboard.
Renfroe allowed two more hits that inning, but escaped without surrendering another run, but it was too little too late for Tennessee.
The No. 4 Lady Vols failed to get on base in the seventh inning, capping a disappointing 2-0 loss.
“I’ve not seen us play this way offensively in a couple three years,” co-head coach Ralph Weekly said. “But I don’t want to take anything away from our opponent. I think they caused it. We’ve got to get up off the mat and try to win the series.
After the game, Mississippi State players gave head coach Vann Stuedeman a surprise water bath, which she said was the first of her career.
“This is only my third season to be a head coach,” Stuedeman said. “I’ve never had a water bath ever in my entire life. I got one time, and I’m proud of having it, but there are several people I’m going to get back.”
In the other dugout, the Tennessee coaches were busy preparing their players for the next game in the series on Saturday.
“Basically, we told them they need to flush it,” Weekly said. They’ve got a game tomorrow. They’ve got to show up and be proud and play hard.”
Tennessee struggled throughout the night at the plate, only managing three hits off of Mississippi State freshman pitcher Alexis Silkwood.
Silkwood allowed no runs in a complete game, which was the first time the Lady Vols have been held scoreless this season.
“I’m very proud for her,” Stuedeman said. “She is just one of those kids that wants the ball and has tons of guts. The cream rises to the top. She is one of those kids that love the big time moment and the big time atmosphere.”
Senior Madison Shipman attributed the poor play at the plate to feeling too anxious as the continued on scoreless inning after inning.
“I just think a lot of us got up there a little anxious,” Shipman said, “and anxiety can kill you when you take it too far. So I think we’ve just got to go up there tomorrow, just learn from today, and make good adjustments.
Weekly did not want to get too down on his team after the game, keeping in mind that two games still remain in the series.
“In a three game series, it is not the time to get on your team and beat them down or anything like them,” Weekly said. We just did not play well.”
Tennessee will continue the series against Mississippi State tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Lee Stadium.
