Knoxville Regional: Preview

Lee Stadium

Teams: Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, Liberty
Location: Lee Stadium (Knoxville, TN)

Players to watch:
Raven Chavanne, Tennessee
Ellen Renfroe, Tennessee
Kelsi Weseman, Georgia Tech
Kat Espinosa, Oklahoma State
Ashley Bensinger, Liberty

Interesting storyline: Does anyone know what the selection committee was thinking when they put together this regional? Not only was SEC Champion Tennessee slighted with the 14 seed, but they also drew two teams in Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech who also could have been hosting as a seeded team. There are a lot of angry teams at this regional and regardless of how this regional turns out, the selection committee is going to have some explaining to do.

Raven Chavanne

Overview: The Lady Vols have it all and they have a legitimate shot at winning the SEC's first national title. The Lady Vols have one of the fastest lineups in the country led by Raven Chavanne, Kelly Grieve, and Kat Dotson. Tennessee puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses and they also feature some very powerful bats behind them as well. The Lady Vols also have the pitching in the circle as well in sisters Ellen and Ivy Renfroe. This Tennessee squad can win in so many ways and it is hard to see Georgia Tech or Oklahoma State stopping them. Georgia Tech is also an outstanding offensive team, Kelsi Weseman and Kristine Priebe lead the Yellow Jacket offense that is hitting .330 with 99 HR. Kristen Adkins leads a deep pitching staff that also includes Hope Rush and Lindsay Anderson. This trio is very formidable, but they are not dominant like Ellen Renfroe and they are going to have trouble stopping Tennessee's lineup. Oklahoma State should not be overlooked in this regional, but they are on a six game losing streak and they will need to turn things around fast if they want to win some games at this regional. The Cowgirls don't have a explosive offense or dominating pitching and they will need to step up their game. Kat Espinosa has struggled a bit lately, but she has thrown some big games in her career and if she is on Oklahoma State has a shot. Simone Freeman has also been effective for Oklahoma State and she figures to see some time in the circle as well. Mariah Gearhart and Alysia Hamilton lead the offensive charge for the Cowgirls. Liberty is the final team at this regional and they are just a bit out of its league. Ashley Bensinger leads the Flames offense, that will have perform better than it has all year, just to win a game.

Winner: Tennessee