WATCH: Jenna Johnson makes incredible diving catch, ends Tennessee 20-game winning streak
Alabama and Tennessee is one of the SEC’s top rivalries, no matter the sport. The softball diamond was the site of a top-15 matchup on Saturday, with two of the conference’s best teams facing off in Knoxville. A ton was on the line for both, especially the Volunteers in the midst of their 20-game winning streak.
Tennessee was able to grab Friday’s series opener but revenge was on the mind of Alabama on Saturday. Especially left fielder Jenna Johnson, who decided it was time for the game to end.
Up two in the bottom of the seventh, Alabama was attempting to hold onto a lead. Nobody was on base when a ball headed Johnson’s way in foul territory. In reality, the batter should have seen another pitch and continued her at bat. Instead, Johnson made an incredible diving catch and put the game to bed.
The entire Alabama team then rushed to left field to celebrate with Johnson. Head coach Patrick Murphy was as happy as anyone — smiling, jumping around, and giving out high fives.
You can watch the full moment here.
When taking out the win streak ending, Alabama puts itself in a position to win the series on Sunday. Last weekend’s home series against Arkansas saw the Hogs take two out of three. Not exactly the start Murphy was looking for from his team.
Alabama ends Tennessee 20-game win streak
The last time Tennessee softball was on the losing end, the calendar read Feb. 18. In fact, before Saturday afternoon, the Lady Vols only had one in the loss column. The streak has been an impressive one.
Some quality-ranked wins are in there as well. Clemson and Northwestern were both top-10 teams during the nonconference portion of the schedule. LSU held the same honor during the SEC’s opening weekend but go swept by Tennessee.
If another streak gets underway, it will extend into the postseason. Something the program has not seen in a few years, there’s a reason excitement is growing.
A lot is on the line heading into the final stretch of the season. Tennessee has not won a regular season conference championship since 2007 or a tournament since 2011. A trip to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series last occurred in 2015.
There is still a ton of potential for the Lady Vols this season. Losing to Alabama will just be a small blip in the road.