Why Tennessee softball smoked cigars on Lady Vols logo after beating Alabama
Tennessee softball didn't forget Alabama smoking cigars on the Lady Vols' logo in 2024. After winning Game 3, the Lady Vols reclaimed their logo.
Two years ago, Tennessee softball had to watch Alabama's players smoke cigars on the Lady Vols logo in center field as they celebrated their win in the NCAA super regional at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Tennessee didn't forget that image when it faced the Crimson Tide for the first time since the heartbreaking loss that ended its 2024 season one game short of the Women's College World Series. That was all on the Lady Vols' minds as they won two straight games over No.
3 Alabama to take the top-10 series in Knoxville. After No. 8 Tennessee won 4-1 in Game 3 on April 27, players ran on to the field with cigars to take part in the longstanding tradition for the winners of the rivalry — and to reclaim their logo.
Gabby Leach and Camryn Sarvis made it to center field first and lounged on the grass smoking their cigars. Soon the rest of the team joined them, and even Tennessee coach Karen Weekly lit up a cigar. "They smoked cigars on that field, they celebrated on our logo," Weekly said.
"When somebody does that on your home field, you're not going to forget it. " The Lady Vols (40-8, 14-7 SEC) made an incredible recovery from a 12-0 loss in five innings that opened the series. Tennessee won 2-0 in Game 2 and nearly shut out the Tide (44-6, 16-5) again in the rubber match behind outstanding pitching performances from Sage Mardjetko and Karlyn Pickens.