Lady Vols Capture First SEC Series Sweep of Season With Victory Over Auburn at Home
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers delivered a powerful statement over the weekend, securing their first Southeastern Conference (SEC) series sweep of the 2025 season by defeating Auburn in a decisive matchup at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
In Saturday’s finale of the three-game series, the Lady Vols came out on top with a solid 4-1 win, maintaining their dominant home presence and reinforcing their national reputation. Currently ranked No. 4 in the country, the team has improved to a 37-9 overall record and now holds a 12-6 standing in SEC play, as reported by WBIR.
This crucial series win brings the Lady Vols within 1.5 games of first-place Texas A&M in the SEC standings, helping Tennessee build momentum as they push toward the postseason. The Vols’ performance this weekend was not just about wins—it was a show of consistency, power, and strategic execution.
Tennessee has consistently proven itself as a force in the SEC, having claimed 21 of its last 23 conference series. UT Sports highlighted the team’s remarkable SEC track record, showing a 53-16 mark during that stretch. Notably, nine of those series resulted in complete sweeps, underscoring the program’s dominance in recent years under head coach Karen Weekly.
Saturday’s game began as a closely contested duel, with both sides held scoreless until the second inning. It was Gabby Leach who broke the deadlock, scoring on a wild pitch to give Tennessee a 1-0 lead. That run set the tone for what was to come, as the Lady Vols began to flex their offensive muscle in the middle innings.
The most pivotal moment came in the fifth inning, when the Vols’ bats came alive. Junior McKenna Gibson delivered a crucial RBI hit to add to the lead, and shortly after, sophomore Laura Mealer joined the action by driving in two more runs. That burst of offense widened the gap to 4-0, effectively putting Auburn on the ropes heading into the later innings.
On the defensive side, sophomore pitcher Sage Mardjetko commanded the mound with poise and efficiency. Delivering six strong innings, she allowed just one run on three hits and struck out five batters. The performance not only earned her 10th win of the season but also continued her steady ascent as a dependable arm for the Lady Vols in pressure situations.
With the game on the line in the seventh inning, Tennessee turned to junior Karlyn Pickens to close things out. Pickens responded with a clutch performance, shutting down Auburn’s offense and sealing the win without giving up a run. Her ability to finish the game with composure was a fitting end to a well-rounded team effort.
This sweep marks a key turning point for Tennessee as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. The Lady Vols have now won five straight games and appear to be peaking at just the right time. Their blend of timely hitting, solid pitching, and dependable defense has been the foundation of their success all season long.
Up next, Tennessee will face another big test as they prepare to host No. 20 Clemson on Tuesday evening. This non-conference matchup carries some extra weight, as it’s a rematch of last year’s dramatic nine-inning battle that Tennessee narrowly won 2-1. The rematch is expected to be another tightly contested game, and fans can tune in to the action live at 6 p.m. on ESPNU.
As the Lady Vols continue their climb in the national rankings and jostle for SEC positioning, their recent performances suggest they are more than ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. With a mix of experienced leadership and emerging young talent, Tennessee is poised for a strong finish to the regular season and a potential deep run into the NCAA tournament.
Fans, players, and coaches alike will be encouraged by the consistency and resolve the team displayed in this series sweep. Beating a competitive SEC opponent like Auburn in all three games is no small feat, and doing it with solid pitching, clutch hitting, and defensive focus makes the victory even sweeter.
Whether it’s the depth of the pitching staff, the timely contributions from veterans like Gibson and Mealer, or the clutch instincts of emerging stars like Leach, this Lady Vols team continues to prove it has the pieces necessary to compete with the nation’s best.
As the schedule tightens and postseason implications grow more significant, Tennessee’s sweep over Auburn stands as a statement—this team is dialed in and playing with purpose. The atmosphere at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium this weekend reflected the energy and passion this program is known for, and if their current form continues, Lady Vol fans may have a lot more to cheer about in the coming weeks
