Karlyn Pickens shines, Mizzou drops Game 1 against No. 9 Lady Vols

In Game 1 of the most important series of Mizzou Softball’s year, the Tigers couldn’t find an answer for back-to-back SEC Pitcher of the Year Karlyn Pickens losing 3-1 against No. 9 Tennessee on Thursday at Mizzou Softball Stadium. The Lady Vols have proven all year that they are no easy task.

For starters, No. 9 Tennessee’s three starting pitchers — Sage Mardjetko, Erin Nuwer and Pickens — rank in the top 11 in the country for earned run average. On the other side of the ball, the Lady Volunteers have six batters batting a .

290 or better, a threshold that only three Mizzou batters hit. With wins needed for a chance at a playoff bid, Mizzou coach Larissa Anderson knew what she was coming into but she is more focused on taking things one pitch at a time. “We can only control what we do in the moment,” Missouri coach Larissa Anderson said after the game.

“If we focus on the end result we’re getting caught up in the prize. Rory McIlroy said it best during the Masters, ‘process over prize’. ” With the loss, let’s break down the scenario.