OKC Shocker: Morrison’s Blast Propels Lady Vols Over #2 Texas in WCWS Opener

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Talk about making a statement on Day 1.

Entering the 2026 Women’s College World Series as the definitive underdogs against the defending national champions, the #7-seeded Tennessee Lady Vols (48-10) proved they belong on the grandest stage. Behind an explosive early home run from Elsa Morrison and a brilliant tag-team pitching performance, Tennessee knocked off the #2 overall seed Texas Longhorns (47-12) 6–3 on Thursday afternoon at Devon Park.

The victory not only puts the rest of the field on notice but firmly propels the Lady Vols into the winner’s bracket, flipping the script on the tournament’s opening day.

Morrison Blasts the Longhorns Early

Texas came into Oklahoma City with the swagger of a reigning champion, but Tennessee completely disrupted their rhythm in the top of the second inning. After Alannah Leach was hit by a pitch and Makenzie Butt drew a gritty, full-count walk, standout freshman Elsa Morrison stepped up to the plate with two runners on.

Morrison didn’t waste any time, crushing a spectacular three-run home run over the wall to shock the Longhorns and vault Tennessee to an early 3-0 lead.

“We knew we had to strike first and strike hard against a team of Texas’ caliber,” Morrison said postgame. “I just looked for my pitch, swung with confidence, and the rest took care of itself.”

The offensive pressure forced Texas to pull their ace, Teagan Kavan (25-6), early in the fourth inning, turning to Citlaly Gutierrez out of the bullpen. However, the Lady Vols kept manufacturing runs. In the top of the fifth, Taelyn Holley singled up the middle, advanced on a wild pitch, and later scored on another miscue by the Longhorns’ defense to extend the lead to a commanding 4-0.

Weekly Strategy Pays Off

Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly executed a brilliant pitching strategy, starting sophomore standout Sage Mardjetko before unleashing the SEC’s premier arm later in the contest.

Mardjetko was sensational, keeping the potent Longhorns lineup completely off-balance through four scoreless innings. She surrendered just one infield hit while showcasing elite composure under the bright lights of Oklahoma City.

In the bottom of the fifth, Weekly called upon Tennessee’s ace and First Team All-American, Karlyn Pickens. While Texas managed to scratch across an unearned run due to an uncharacteristically wild throw on a double-play attempt, Pickens buckled down to limit the damage and escape the inning.

Texas Rallies, But the Lady Vols Close the Door

The Longhorns didn’t go down without a fight. In the top of the sixth, Morrison struck again, slicing a stand-up double—her 12th of the season. Pinch runner Zoie Shuler eventually crossed home plate following an infield error, giving Tennessee a vital insurance run to make it 5-1.

However, the defending champions punched back in the bottom of the frame. After a two-out single by Reese Atwood, Texas veteran Leighann Goode absolutely tanked a two-run blast off Pickens, narrowing the gap to 5-3 and sending the Texas crowd into a frenzy.

Unfazed by the momentum shift, Pickens returned to form. She dominated the seventh inning, slamming the door shut on any hopes of a Texas comeback to secure the 6-3 upset.

Game 2 Line Score Overview

Team	Runs	Hits	Errors	Key Performer
#7 Tennessee	6	7	1	E. Morrison (2-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI)
#2 Texas	3	5	0	L. Goode (1-2, HR, 2 RBI)

What’s Next?

With the massive victory, the Lady Vols advance cleanly into the winner’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament. They are scheduled to face Texas Tech—who pulled off an opening-game victory over Mississippi State earlier in the day—on Saturday, May 30, at 3:00 PM ET on ABC.

Meanwhile, the defending champion Longhorns drop straight to the elimination bracket and find themselves in a sudden-death situation on Friday night, fighting to keep their back-to-back title hopes alive.