Karlyn Pickens tosses Savannah Bananas first pitch with Lady Vols at Neyland Stadium

The Tennessee Lady Vols softball team celebrated their upcoming trip to Women's College World Series as the special guests of Savannah Bananas at Neyland Stadium on May 23. Flame-throwing pitcher Karlyn Pickens tossed the ceremonial first pitch surrounded by her Lady Vols teammates amid a quirky baseball diamond constructed for the big Banana Ball event inside UT's iconic football stadium. Pickens didn't hold back on her ceremonial toss.

It was high heat that seemed to stun the umpire, who comicly fell backward when the pitch reached home plate. The Lady Vols got a loud ovation from the sold-out crowd and high-fived fans as they exited the field. The Lady Vols defeated Georgia in the NCAA super regional on May 22.

They'll play in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City for the third time in the last four seasons. They face will face the winner of No. 2 seed Texas and Arizona State to open the double-elimination bracket on May 28.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam. sparks@knoxnews.